Reset Weekend

Do you ever get to the end of a week and feel so tired that you just want to hide in your bed all weekend? Its been a tough few weeks and my duvet was calling to me more and more. With an exam looming in two weeks I don't have much time to sit back and relax but I realised that it was important now more than ever to do so rather than cramming even more knowledge into my already overfilled brain! 

I'm calling this weekend a 'reset' weekend as I've stepped back from everything and really looked at how I spend my time. I had started feeling guilty about doing anything non-degree related including exercise and anything creative. Two things which are key to avoiding stress and feeling overwhelmed by studying. I had also stopped planning my weeks which had been a huge help in balancing work and play. 

So,

I am using this time to catch up on sleep, make a better revision plan and block time out for running and crafty things in my calendar. And do a bit of knitting!

I have finally finished the Spindrift Shawl by Helen Stuart. Its a great shawl for beginners to get used to two types of increase, making eyelets and working on circular needles without feeling overwhelmed. 

The weather is very grey here in England so apologies for the poor lighting! 

The lace work and picot bind off gives a more complex look to what is actually a very straightforward pattern.

There are mistakes visible in the photos and I could have ripped back but actually I like how as the pattern progressed you can see an obvious improvement in the knitting standard. So in my head this is called my Improver Shawl. This was knit in West Yorkshire Spinners 4ply in Peacock.

This pattern is available for free when you sign up for Helen Stuart's Curious Handmade newsletter. 

I have also made progress on my rainbow socks using the Easy Cable Socks pattern by Winwick Mum. Its a free pattern available on her website here. 

The instructions are both written with photos and in video form. Its a detailed and easy pattern to follow. 

It also has a slightly different heel using a crossed rib stitch. I found it fiddly at first but you soon get into a steady rhythm with the three stitch repeat and it looks pretty at the end.

Looking forward to finishing the first sock and starting the second one!

What are you working on? 

Have a great week!

Charlotte and Harvey x