Friday Roundup #18-20

It’s all very exciting! Guess what has arrived today.

I’m waiting for two more items to arrive tomorrow (deliveries permitting) and I’ll do a full grand opening and review of the contents. I should be able to make these in a day (other half permitting!). So, let’s say two.

I have at least shopped already, although I have no idea on what, because the fridge still looks empty. Oh, wait. Maybe it’s the alcohol to see me through lockdown. 😉

I know I am not the only one.

Anyway. What else has happened this week? Knitting. Yes, I decided I needed a break from the crochet, so I started to knit a swatch of the Open Air Wrap by Purl Soho. It is an easy stitch, but OMG this yarn is fine. And because my needles have stainless tips, the yarn sometimes disappears when you reach a light stretch of colour. All very frustrating.

It is a simple k1, wrap yarn, p2tog to end and k1. But it is not really a mindless stitch. At least not at the moment. Each time, I am trying to remember to wrap the yarn. And at the beginning, it’s a wrap twice to bring the yarn into a purl position.

I am very tempted to knit this but in a heavier weight yarn, but still lightweight. If that makes sense. The actual wrap is supposed to be 98 stitches wide and at my speed with this yarn, it will take forever.

As I write this post, it’s just started hailing and really throwing it down. It’s been a mixed weather day, but we still managed a short walk.

Back to knitting. I think I shall check my stash tomorrow and see what I have and knit up a swatch. Purling is not joy, especially with fine yarns. And especially when it’s p2tog. And maybe 30 in x 78 in. 😦

When we were walking last weekend, we came across this natural ‘wool’ bombing by the sheep. They must have really had a good itch to scratch.

I also made some bread on Thursday. My first loaf was a disaster. It was confined to the bin. I started making it, then the other half said he had to make a conference call. And that I should go shopping. Aargh! Long story short, it rose whilst I was out, then when I put it in the oven, I forgot to set the timer.

It was one of those moments when you think ‘Hmm, what’s cooking?’. Let’s just say it had a good solid crust. 🙂

So, I started another. Which was better, although I forgot I need about 600g of flour for the tin I use. Less than that and you don’t get the height. I have a tin with a sliding lid to make square sandwich loaves. I think that takes about 800g.

I started this with the mixer, but gave up and reverted to hand kneading. It is much more satisfying. If you have lockdown stress. Knead some bread dough. Really give it some welly, plus a couple of whacks on the worktop, a la Paul Hollywood, works wonders.

This weekend is also cake making. This is a packet mix we picked up in France on holiday. It’s a chocolate flan style. The directions are misleading. Prep time, sure, 10 minutes. Needs cooking, yep, 30 mins. But on the back you find out it also needs 2 hours in the fridge. Now, it’s BB date is January 2020. But in these lockdown times I am willing to play Russian roulette with packet mix BB dates.

So, the plan is:

• Unpack sneaker kit
• Make flan
• Drink wine
• Eat flan
• A walk somewhere amongst the above

Hope you all have a good weekend planned, whatever the weather or lockdown conditions where you are.