Madness

Almost hit 60* yesterday.  Lovely!  That means hauling out pitchfork, rake and shovel so I can get the rabbitry all cleaned up.  Given the lack of real winter this year, I've been able to clean cages a lot more so there is much less of that to do, but under the hutches are mounds of hay and ... good fertilizer.   It all freezes up over winter and doesn't usually thaw enough to remove until April or May but this year, I'm not sure it ever completely froze.  So I tackled under hutches yesterday.  I only did 5 and spaced that, a couple in the morning and a couple more in the afternoon.  Apparently it was too much.  Knitting last night was a no go.  And since I signed up for Sock Madness this year, well, dang.

Sock Madness.  A hoot!  First sock pattern was released Friday, March 2, sometime late afternoon, I think.  I found it that evening and cast on.  This is a speed event and I am a slow knitter so I have no hope of winning, but the event is fun and pushes the skill level to new heights.  Loving the first sock pattern!  It's a toe up, which I have attempted before but never completed.  Had to learn Judy's Magic Cast On.  Thank Gawd for youtube!  The pattern is also full of cables, something I am also somewhat new to, but loving.  The big hurdle f0r me, though, is a wrap and turn short row heel.  Never did one before.  Did NOT enjoy learning that.  Attempts 1 to 3 were major fails and almost resulted in my quitting.  But I'm kinda stubborn.  I took a big break which included cuddling bunnies, grocery store, a decent meal, 2 chocolate cannolis, and a glass of wine.  Then went back at it.  And voila, a short row wrap and turn heel.  I am now almost done with the leg, about 2 or 3 repeats of the cabling, then an inch and a half of ribbed cuff, finishing with a stretchy bind off I've never before.  So lots of new techniques in this pattern for me.  Love the pattern.  There will be more, though that heel... ugh. 

But.  Yeah, this elbow thing.  Not good.  I have to be very careful not to push it into full blown tennis elbow.  I found one of my elbow braces and am alternating between the brace and ice pack.  I did get one repeat of the leg done but clearly have to baby the elbow.  Not what I want to do.  I want to sit and finish this first sock TODAY.  Grrr.

Bunnies are a welcome distraction.

 

 

 

Comments

[Wendy Meyers]

Sock looks gorgeous!! Good luck!!

[Leslie]

Sock looks great! Wish I could be there to help you with the manure removal!