This morning we had to go to Kelso, which meant we had to find somewhere to have our usual Thursday morning cuppa. We decided to try a recently opened deli/coffee shop called Pharlanne, which turned out to be very nice indeed. Usually we go to the Pickled Orange in Hawick, where we share one of their large scones, but Pharlanne didn't have scones ......... but they did have chocolate brownies. I'm sorry, not even Malcolm gets to share my chocolate brownie - I ate it all myself!! (don't worry, he had a white chocolate and berry muffin - which he knew I wouldn't want to share as I don't like white chocolate!)
Since we moved here (almost four years ago) we have been regular customers of Almstrongs, a small department store in Hawick. In that time the store has gradually declined, with departments and eventually whole floors closing. Now, sadly, the shop is shutting for good and they are having a last sale, with 70% off everything. While obviously wanting to take advantage of such good prices, I did feel a little bit guilty that I was hastening the end by buying some of the remaining stock! Earlier in the week I had bought some lovely cotton thread for hand sewing, so I bought some more today, along with a packet of embroidery needles in a variety of sizes, and several packets of buttons which can be covered with fabric
I also got three balls of beautiful cotton yarn - I have a little project in mind - it might even be done in time for next Tuesday's tutorial.........
I finished knitting my scarf/shawl (should I call it a scawl or a sharf?). I soaked it briefly in lukewarm water with a delicate handwash, then squeezed (remember, never wring) the excess water out and wrapped it in a towel and squeezed some more. I blocked it out on an old sheet, using my blocking wires - but you could just use pins.
I'm not altogether happy with the proportions - it has turned out a little bit longer than I had planned, so I will have to have a rethink on the increasing, but it only took 23gms of yarn, so I can have several more tries to get it right!!
It sits nicely at the front, but is just too long at the back
So ...... what's going to happen with all those ends? I'll tell you tomorrow!!