AND THE BEAT GOES ON . . .

Did I mention the weather?? Summer in May!! My arthritic hands have appreciated the lovely hot, dry weather we've been having - hurrah, I can spin again without pain!! I'm knitting as fast as I can . . finished my new socks with Jan's simple heel. I like the fact that I don't have to SEE to pick up stitches cause I don't have to pick up any!! But, I'm experimenting with the BT's new socks because I like the look of the Slip1, Knit1 heel ribbing. I tore out the half done heels in his socks-to-be & am S1,K1-ing between the increases for Jan's heel. I like this version a whole lot better!!

Has anyone read the Girl From Aunty's comments on the Lion Brand Knitting Instructor Program??? I checked it out when Lion Brand sent me the announcement & thought it was silly but I never delved into it with the thoroughness that she does. It makes worthwhile reading!! Before you sign up, read this! And the comments . . . .

I am so proud of myself - I just finished the Healing Herbs course at the Virtual University. It looked like a "Fluffy" course but contained a lot of good information. And I passed the final exam with flying colors . . . I now know the difference between a decoction & an tincture! Apparently I've been making tinctures with berries & vodka for years . . . .

Did I say I'd actually been spinning?? Yessiree Momma - had the old Mud Valley Clone outside in the sunshine spinning shetland fleece from a sheep named Arvik. Arvik is a nice mix of greys from light to almost black with a little sunbleaching on the tips. Its so soft & not too greasy so I'm spinning it right from the fleece into a soft singles yarn a little thicker than sock yarn. It does bloom when washed in the skein & knits into a lovely, soft, drapey fabric . . . . . I have a pattern from Just One More Row called the Lightening Lace Jacket which I think will look lovely in the all-shades-of-grey Arvik yarn. Must do up a swatch & take a picture for the record!! Ahhhhh . . . . the joys of summer . . . just give me hanging baskets, a big mug of tea & a spinning wheel with Arvik to enjoy.