In this moment, I’m about as happy as I can be.
I’ve just arrived back in the UK for a week’s holiday with friends in the north of England, and I can’t bloody wait for the good times to get rolling with some of my favorite people ever.
Before I fly further north, I’m hanging out at Heathrow. Normally not something noteworthy, but I’m digging the new Terminal 5 like a kid in a candy store. Building this extension may have been controversial, but today it’s ringing my bell. I can’t get enough. Now, by the time my connection takes off in 3 hours, I’m sure I’ll have had enough - but until the ADD kicks in I’m luuuurrrving it.
Although severely tempted by the Wagamama and Giraffe, my hungry belly veered me into the pub mecca in which I’m currently hoovering down my Stilton & Broccoli soup and Murphy’s stout. I’d take a picture to show you, but I’m afraid it might not look as appetizing mauled and half-munched. I’ll leave it to your mind’s eye.
Right - I could continue to ramble about my delight in the glory of T5 (did I mention that there is a much, much better selection of places to eat and shop and sit around? and that the design is just cool?), but that will get old fast in spite of its shiny newness. Instead let me update you on my knitting. What a concept!
My Thermis is off the needles and ready to warm my neck in the chill of the North.
FO: Thermis
Fiber: Cascade Rustic
Adaptations: Fewer number of pattern repeats to account for taller row count in gauge with subsituted fiber
Verdict: Like it. Very quick knit. Feels lovely. The wool/linen combo of the fiber is surprisingly nice; warm but not heavy or scratchy. The soft variegation of the gray shades works for me, and I can be picky about my variegated yarns. The length is nice. Little loosey-goosier than the pattern called for, but whatever - it’s a cowl, and fit-wise, it will be largely obsured under other warm garments. And there’s always the dryer.
So much for gifting it: immediately upon completion, the weather warmed up in all the target markets where my potential recipients were located. I’m sure it will get cold again, but it seems silly to give a wool cowl to someone when it’s that balmy out.
Thus, I’m, er, keeping it for myself.
I do like the look of it, although even with adaptations for the bulkier row gauge for this fiber it ended up a bit bigger than I planned. No biggie - and I didn’t sweat too long over my calculations at the start, so it isn’t surprising. But it doesn’t matter, I do like it, and will flaunt it with pride.
I like the wee buttons I found for it at the LYS, so they make me happy.
I broke down and bought some cashmere mittens a few weeks ago (gloves/mittens for myself are too far back in my queue for my poor fingers to benefit this winter), and these new mittens are the perfect shade of grey to go with the cowl. Good thing I’ll be in a chilly place this week to appreciate all the warmth.
My other project is moving along, although there is just a lot of ground to cover. The Sheer Poncho is my gift for Kymber, who’s birthday-girl status is the reason for our reunion vacation this week.
It’s not done on time as I’d planned - of course - but I’m OK with this. I’m not superwoman - there, I said it.
It’s looking lovely; the cashmere fabric is so dreamy, and the drape is perfect.
I think I’ll be able to finish it this week while we are loafing around. This will make it less of an on-the-day surprise and more of a work-in-progress display of affection until it’s done.
I’ve churned a lot more out than is shown here, but you get the idea.
Oh look, a plate of mac and cheese with mature cheddar has materialized, as well as another pint of stout.
Yes, that’s two dishes with fatty cheese in it so far today (not to mention the second pint) - aren’t I good to myself?
I rationalize with the following:
- I’m hungry. I’ve just flown many miles without proper nutrition.
- I’m veggie. I need my protein from something other than the steak & ale pie alternative (as if this is well-known for its easy-on-the-waistline properties).
- I’m on bloody holiday.
That’s it for now. Off to finish round #2 of my gloriously naughty not-at-all-good-for-you British lunch.
