New Project: Zur Lederhos'n

Even though I have an exciting new sock book full of patterns, and two single socks awaiting partners, I felt compelled to cast on for Zur Lederhos'n.

This is my first attempt at a Yarnissima pattern, despite a long-term plan to knit La Digitessa and Fratello. I am using Croft sock wool from the Yarn Yard in a dark forest green. I KNOW that I am losing a bit of stitch definition by choosing a flecked yarn, but I really wanted to knit FL some long country cabled socks using this skein. I was originally planning to use the Aran Inseln design from Socken Aus Aller Welt, but it would have involved some re-sizing and some translating, when I just wanted to get on and KNIT.

I used my brand new (Lidl) digital scales to divide my yarn into two equal balls. The pattern is toe-up so I can eke out every last inch of the skein for the longest sock possible. I also have plans for a striped cuff! So far, I am loving the complexity of the pattern and cushiness of the fabric. While not obscuring the stitch pattern, the slight "halo" of this yarn give a lovely even texture to the stocking stitch sole.

I suffered a bad fit of chart-dyslexia when I came to the upper foot and couldn't make any sense of two of the symbols. The accompanying key only made it worse! "c2 over 1 right p" anyone? Or how about: "Left Twist, purl bg"? After a strong cup of builder's tea, comprehension dawned. If you are interested, the first instruction should read: "hold one stitch to the back on a cable needle, knit two stitches, each through the back loop, purl the stitch on the cable needle" And the second: "Hold one stitch to the front on a cable needle, purl one, knit the stitch on the cable needle through the back of the loop". Lots of through the back loopiness!

FL says I really ought to knit some socks for myself or my daughter - he has seen the darning pile! But I am determined that these are for him.

HEALTH:

We are back at the hospital on Thursday, allegedly to deliver our decision about Velcade. However, even if FL says he wants to go ahead with the treatment, ironically he has to be deemed fit enough. I suppose they have to weigh up the risks. Although he has to be in danger of major organ failure to qualify for the drugs, he has to be strong enough to cope with their impact on his immune system. Unfortunately, he seems to be coming down with another chest infection, so it is entirely likely he will be sent away with a course of antibiotics instead of an appointment schedule for Velcade infusions.

Watch this space.