I'm thinking of re-naming my blog - "The Birch Bulletin" or "The Champagne Bohemian's Birch" perhaps. Though avoiding using 'Birch' in the title might avoid some of the inappropriate spam I've been receiving!
I am actually doing some other knitting, just nothing photo-worthy at the moment. I cast on for the Noro socks 'just to see what it looked like' and I'm loving all 10cm of the K2 P2 ribbing so far. I will take Marianne's suggestion from my comments and reinforce the heel - it doesn't feel exceptionally hardwearing and I think it would prolong the life of the socks somewhat.
Here's the Birch update bit:
I've just finished the tenth repeat so my stitch count is now just under 200. The rows are much quicker to complete and there's a satisfying amount of light, drapey fabric hanging from the needles. The Kidsilk Haze really does float - when I pull an amount from the skein, it stays suspended in the air for a second or two before settling gently - lovely!
It's beginning to feel a little autumnal here in the West Country - blackberries are hanging richly from all the brambles so we've put a few to good use - Blackberry Vodka.
Labels supplied courtesy of our seven-year old daughter! Here's a outdoor shot of the bottle which shows the colour beautifully - quite reminiscent of my Birch, don't you think? There's two more where that one came from - hic!
We've nearly sorted out our computer issues - current set-up is a bit of a lash-up but will be refined shortly. Odd how being off-line, even for a little time, makes a person twitchy!
My other little bit of news is that I finished reading Anna Karenina (two weeks ago, actually!). I really enjoyed re-reading this but found myself much more drawn to Kitty and Levin's story rather than Anna's this time. It's a wonderful book - hard to believe that it was written so long ago, the writing is so fresh.
I'm now reading a fictionalised account of the experiences of a female SOE (Special Operations Executive = undercover agent!) operative working in France during the Second World War which is a subject that I find fascinating - might follow this up by reading some real-life experiences next.
Posted by Anita at August 23, 2004 12:31 PMI love your Birch updates. It's so stunning.
Posted by: Jessica at August 23, 2004 10:38 PMHi Anita,
While your birch has less sts on the needle, my Karis has more sts on the needle. Now, there are 260 sts. It will become 300 sts after main section complete.
Your Birch looks gorgerous. Couldn't wait to see the FO comes out !
Happy knitting !
Eva
So, do we take it from this that Birch may be around for a while for you to post about ? It may be slow but it's worth it - it's looking gorgeous.
Posted by: Heather at August 24, 2004 08:57 PMNever drink your Blackberry vodka with Birch ;)
Posted by: marjorie at August 25, 2004 05:53 PMI love seeing the birch pics as well. It looks beautiful.
I can't believe you finished AK. Good for you! I have been so slack about that book--haven't even picked it up in weeks.
Posted by: Annie at August 25, 2004 09:21 PMI don't know if I've said this already, Birch is lovely! This will be a showstopper for the fall/winter, and parties as well. I''ve enjoyed every Birch post you've made. Never had blackberry before, it looks good!
Congrats on AK; I stopped around page 200. I'm hopelessly behind in Annie's read-along so I'm going on my own pace. It IS a good book, nice buildup.
Posted by: MJ at August 26, 2004 11:51 PMAhh...the loveliness that is your birch, and a photo of Blackberry Vodka [!]. YUMMY!
Posted by: Becky at August 27, 2004 05:30 PMP.S. I just read through the comments the others left and I laughed at loud at what Marjorie wrote. Hehe. I can't imagine the mess I'd make of a Birch of I knit it while drinking some of that tantalizing-looking vodka!
Posted by: Becky at August 27, 2004 05:32 PM