ASJ, PI and Auntie Annie

I finished my ASJ last night.  I am pleased with it and pleased that it is finished.  I need to sew buttons on, I didn't really get the chance today.  It is a bit on the big side.  It would look nice with some kind of shawlette of detachable hoodie as the neckline is broad at the front.  The sleeves are 3/4 length and look better than what I thought they would.  They would suit some long fingerless mitts.  Anther big project done with.  I just thought that if I had sewn the buttons on this evening I could've worn the jacket in the morning when we go to the library.  Never mind, it might be raining or I may get chance to do them in the morning.

 

I have been very good and not started another project.  There is not one that is calling or yelling at me to start, which is good.  I can concentrate on getting work done on others.  I was going to do Revontuli, but I couldn't easily place my hands on where exactly I had place the chart, and I couldn't be diddled to look for it.  So I took up the EZ Pi Three Lace Shawl and have been cracking on with that very well, and enjoying doing it.  I have done seven rounds .  For those of you that are familiar with the wonderful pattern, I am about to start round 11 of the second lace pattern.  There are 45 rounds.  Hmmm, looking at it, I find it difficult to believe that there are only 61 more rows/rounds till it is done.  I have a nagging voice in my head about this and will need to further consult the book about this.  At the moment all I have in front of me is a copied page to work from.

 

Auntie Annie aka AnnInAmerica arrived safe and sound yesterday evening.  It is good to see her again and to spend time together.  We are planning to make Boston Baked Beans Monday or Tuesday next week.   I am hoping to freeze some.  Auntie Annie also bought me lots and lots and lots of really pretty cupcake cases from the US, I was busting a gut nearly to do some baking last night, maybe tomorrow afternoon, fingers crossed.  The fruit cake is not far off devoured, so I can bake again with a clear conscience!

 

I have also done a personal first today, with HK's help.  Nothing spectacular, just something I have been meaning to do increasingly, for quite a long time - peel, chop and boil a butternut squash and make puree to bake with.  I now have 665g of butternut squash puree sat in the freezer, ready for use.  Initially I was going to use it, but after a chat with HK, and the way the day was panning out, that I may not be able to get in the kitchen to bake.  I feel like I have wised up to a regular everyday ingredient, I suppose I have done really!

ASJ and Plotting And Planning What To Knit Next, With Some Help From Jane Austen

The end of another week.  Not my personal best, on the upside, yesterday was good.  Today we have been out to Workington, nothing exciting, only called in at Dunelm and Asda.  I still have baking on the brain and am still thinking about a second run of the Disaster Cupcakes.  Monday and Tuesday are a bit busy for me, so I will have a few more days contemplation.  I will also see if they freeze okay.  It goes against the grain somewhat to freeze cakes for me.  I want to get the recipe right, and not mess with the quantities, just do exactly how it appears in the book.  I don't think we can get through 24 cupcakes before they go stale, so if I can freeze a few I will.  If I can't freeze, then it's back to the drawing board.

I'm still slugging away at ASJ.  The rows are starting to get longer now.  I only have 14 more ridges to do till the next part of the pattern.  Then I decrease 15 stitches at either end.  The centre section will then have 225 stitches.  The increases continue until there are 270 stitches on the centre.  So that is, hang on I need to work this out......brb.....Houston I have a problem that my tired mind can see through at the moment.  At the point I decrease the 15 stitches, I will have 225 stitches between A & B (the increase points).  I need to continue working the increases until there are 270 stitches between A & B.  This doesn't add up to me at the moment - all to do with odd and even numbers.  The stitches are increasd 2 per row, so I can't go from 225 to 270.  I'm sure it will be as clear as mud with the cold light of day!  I think the answer is to increase to either 269 or 271 stitches.  I don't think it will make much difference to be honest.

I'm sure all this rambling means nothing unless you have done and Elizabeth Zimmerman Adult Surprise Jacket where K=an odd number. 

I may be taking a natural break from the ASJ over the next night or two as I have a cloth to do for a swap.  I have found a pattern I want to do.  Until it is swapped, I can't really let on - it may spoil the surprise!

I would like to get as much of the ASJ done by the time the new Jane Austen Knits arrives on my doorstep, which should be in the next week or two.  I am counting on being tempted to do something as soon as it comes!  I want to have a look over the last JAK magazine as I there was quite a few things I wanted to do in there.  Mostly shawls, a pair of gloves or two and a few pairs of socks.  And I have the new Knit magazine waiting at Fobbles for me - collection shall be tomorrow.  Last months preview showed a small shawl that got my interest.....  I must get cracking with ASJ and make some headway with the Lydia Crescent Shawl.  All this knitting and so little time!