More kitchen, more stichin'

 I did draft a really long post about my general sense of ennui, but then thought who cares? I'm down in the mouth, I'm not really sure why, who isn't? Moving on. 

Kitchen man came to have a look today, take a few more measurements and give a bit of advice. That, and having a couple of days to think has led us to make a few changes to our plan, so we need to get our heads together tonight and get it all really clear so that we can hopefully get this kitchen ordered on Friday.

The biggest change is that we have been umming and ah-ing over whether to go with the big range or not. Although I had one in the last house and loved it to bits, I think that we've decided it's not really essential and maybe just being excessive for the sake of it. Compromising, I am planning to get just a standard 60cm Rangemaster - still a big luxury and really good brand, but gaining and bit more cupboard/counter space. We will have to buy this separately as they don't stock it, so a bit more to sort out, but not much. 

We also want to rethink our flooring as have been advised that the sheet vinyl we've ordered isn't as thick or hardwearing as we might like, so we need to look into our options there. 

We have also decided to look at our lights, as at the moment out kitchen light is hideous fluorescent strip lighting. We always would have changed it, so why not now?

That, and a few other minor details. It'll be exciting to get the ball rolling.

I have started a knitting project, more as an inbetweeny keep my hands busy sort of project as I ordered some wool to make a jumper for my brother, which just hasn't turned up. While I was waiting for that to appear, and then waiting for a refund, I thought I may as well get on with something else. I'll re-order his wool next week. 

This is just a pattern I picked up from Shaws because it disappeared. I thought it would be handy to slip over a long-sleeved t-shirt in the inbetweeny months. I am using some groggy, mossy (my signature colour) self-patterning wool that I had knocking around, I can't remember the brand. It's supposed to be aran weight but feels more like DK. The pattern asks for aran but it's knitting up fine. It's a nice easy knit. The bottom is very curly, not sure what to do about that, or if I'll do anything. Maybe crochet edging would sort it out. 

I also bought two new crochet books this month, not that I really need any projects lined up. 

The patterns can be really hit and miss in books, but the first one looks like it has a lot of projects I would make, mainly little nifty gifty things. The main reason I bought it is that is has a pattern to make a set of stuffed Russian Doll toys - so sweet. 
The vintage book decorating with crochet has a lot more ambitious patterns. I bought it after I saw it in the Anna Biller film Viva, and couldn't resist. When I have a bit more time and patience I could see myself diving into that as well.