Steek cut, grafting done, twiddling thumbs.........

First I had to deal with the underarm sections. The 2 sets of stitches were left on holders ready to be grafted using Kitchener stitch. Anyone who's joined the sock making craze will know how to do this but some people might be daunted by it. Don't be, it's really quite easy once you get into the rhythm of it. Basically, you're just recreating a knit stitch so the pieces are joined seamlessly. The are lots of tutorials on the web and most knitting magazines include step by step pictures in their 'How to" sections.


This is what it looks like when complete. Nice and neat.


Then it was time to take a deep breath and cut the steek. I read and re-read Alice Starmore's instructions then read and re-read Eunny Jang's instructions (which were just the same!). Only thing left to do was cut. So I did. The world didn't come to an end, my stitches didn't all unravel in an untidy heap and my jumper now looks like a proper jumper!

Now I'm twiddling my thumbs waiting for Jamiesons to send me another ball of 'Sunrise' which I need to finish the neck edge. I've picked up all the stitches and knit a row using old gold but I haven't enough Sunrise to finish it. I phoned Jamiesons on Monday to order some more and was told it would be with me some time next week. Some time next week? Yes, I was told. It has to be processed through their Accounts Department. So, for one ball of wool to come a few hundred miles from Scotland to the South of England takes over a week. Words fail me! Oh, and the lady I spoke to was dour and offhand. Boo to Jamiesons.



Nothing to do with knitting but I thought I'd show the rye flour leaven that I'm preparing. I always make my own bread and love trying different recipes. the leaven is used instead of manufactured yeast and takes a few days to prepare. This is what it looks like on day 3 and it should be ready to use in a couple more days. It already has lots of lovely bubbles and has a slightly sour smell.