Farewell faithful friend

Today I had to make the hardest decision I've ever had to make and trust me there have been some tough ones. Ollie My four year old Shih tzu,ran away last week and must have been hit by a car because he returned home limping. The limping got worse and this morning he was totally paralysed in his back legs. He was clearly in a lot of pain. The vet diagnosed a ruptured disc something that small dogs like Shih tzus are prone to. He said surgery was an option but unlikely to be successful and the recovery slow. I had to let my friend go in peace. I know it was the right thing to do for him but I still feel like a total heel. I held him as he slipped away and then spent a long time sobbing over his body.

He was a very placid dog and took everything in his stride. He never complained or made a fuss about anything. I hope he's having fun playing now.

What no knitting!!

Amazing as it will probably sound I haven't knitted a single stitch since last Monday. This factor is serious enough to throw all the planets into total confusion and may have a lasting impact on other more serious spheres such a world peace and the seasons. I can't remember the last time I had a voluntary break from my compulsive two stick habit. I am beginning to suffer from withdrawal symptoms, my hands twitch and I found my self stroking a machine knitted jumper counting the stitches. But it has been worthwhile and I have been having a lot of fun.
It would seem that since the marriage break up at the start of the year certain elements have been realigning themselves and one of these would be my social magnet. Last week it went into warp drive and every minute of my time was suddenly wanted somewhere else. Even the dog felt neglected because she missed one walk and had two others that passed in a flash she was required to go so fast.
I am definitely not complaining, but it does mean that there's little to blog about. I have finished a jumper that languished patiently on needles for three years. It's been worn almost constantly as it is so warm. I also made a set of wrist warmers for number 2 daughter but I haven't sewn them up so they don't really count. There are projects on the needles, two summer ones have been placed out of sight and mind until the cold snap is over. Even if I finish them they won't be worn for several more weeks, possibly months. I am working on a green jumper for me and a blue one for Daisy. The idea was to get them done quickly to wear this winter but the way things are going it might be next winter wear instead. For once I don't mind, it is nice to be popular for a while and I intend to make the most of it all.
While I am blogging I have a question for you all. Where did you meet your partner/boyfriend/ husband. Just a bit of harmless research to prove that love really does find us in the most unlikely places

The dress

So here it is. Knitted in just one week, thank goodness for slim, short daughters. I used Elle Stretch found by happy accident in the local Warehouse. Cost $4 a ball and I used 6 balls. Elle is 90% acrylic and 10% stretch polyester. It knits beautifully, vewry smooth and fast adn lasts for 125m.

I did it

At the final hour I cast off and while I didn't get a chance to sew in the ends it was wearable. Unfortunately there wasn't time to photograph before she dashed off into the sunset and we haven't been in the house at the same time since. I plan on tying her down if necessary tomorrow. Whew I don't think I can face circulars needles for at least ..... a week maybe!

It must be love

Snippet of conversation with teenage daughter.
Daughter: mum I need a new dress
Mum: Why's that
Daughter: I want to look nice for my boyfriend's birthday
Mum: where are you going?
Daughter: For a meal
Mum: Can't you wear something in your warderobe?
Daughter: Mum!!!
Mum: how much do you need then?
Daughter: Will you knit me one?
Mum: errr, I guess so. When do you need it for
Daughter: Next sunday
No reply from mum. She's on the floor in shock. How fast does she think I knit. A halter neck dress by next Sunday. I'm not making any promises but I'll give it whirl.

Verdict

I worn the trousers to my knitting group on Monday just so they could see them in the flesh so to speak. The trousers are surprisingly heavy, much heavier than I thought they would be and I need to adjust the elastic in the waist band so there's less drag. They were very easy to wear and very warm and comfortable. The bottom didn't sag at all even after two hours of sitting knitting, but... the knees did. It was a most disappointing moment when I stood up and my knee continued to protrude. I'm not entirely sure how to solve the problem.
I guess I ought to give some facts and figures, being right brained I tend to forget the details. I used a bamboo and cotton blend from Spotlight $4.99 a ball. It's 50% of each. I used 11 balls each giving 82 metres on size four and a half circulars. The pattern was from Phoenix Bess although I adapted the original number of stitches and used a different waist band.
I will definitely make another pair but in black or navy and using a yarn with perhaps a little nylon or Lycra in.
Thanks for all the great comments, I really enjoyed knitting these. I will wear them a lot around the house and wearing them will continue the healing that knitting them started.
No matter what God is still good and I am still blessed

Finished

Whew, although these only took me two weeks to knit the last couple of inches really did seem to take forever.
I haven't blocked them yet and there are several places where the yarn was less than perfect so the overall effect is spoilt. I am going to reserve judgement until I've worn them.

I think they fit better than I thought they would.


But should they be worn outside or relegated to the confines of the house only.
Perhaps in a different yarn? Or in black?
Honest opinions sought please
Perhaps they need to be frogged and made into something more sensible.