In the red again

That is yarn using  out of stash as opposed to adding.

In February I added 2900 grams of yarn to stash, all but 600 of that is for birthday and other gifts during the year.

I took 1500 grams out and most has been knitted up. The main exception is the 200 grams for my shawl, this is not a short term project, I knit on it as and when I need a mindless project. It has been to knit and natter once and will probably go next week, it is great for working on when I watch something on TV that I don't want to miss a word of. Like the new Gryff Rhys Jones train journey across Africa.

This month I have knitted 7 pairs of socks, Fran,s sweater and almost 1/3rd of the shawl. I still have to sew the sweater together before I can take a photo.

I could have got that done, and finished the pair of socks that are on my needles, but I want to enjoy my knitting. If I turn it into a race against the clock all the pleasure will evaporate. I want to enjoy the whole process not just the finish.

Kit and natter was good fun, we celebrated Debs birthday with a selection of cheese and crackers, cookies, cupcakes and some glorious home made Welsh cakes brought in by Erica.

I did indulge and consequently had a very light meal made from fridge pickings last night.

Then I added fuel to the flames by splitting a jammy doughnut and filling it with whipped cream.

I justified this as for the month of March I will not be on a diet as such but a full on healthy eating campaign. Almost a detox really, Vegan for the main part and vegetarian for the rest with a very small amount of dairy. The only milk that I consume is in my porridge and the rest of my dairy intake is cheese, that is going to be pared back as well.
I have put on a bit of weight since having to cut right back on my walking and have not altered my eating habits enough to compensate. I will be making the most of the month and trying out lots of new recipes and (hopefully) ingredients.

Nothing will be wasted as the fridge is almost empty of all the things that I want to exclude, just a little wedge of Stilton and around 1/4 cup of cream, this will combine with leeks, celery and garlic for soup. 

In April and May I will be working my way through the freezers with the intention of getting the chest freezer empty. I then hope to fill this with foraged fruit and  vegetables and fruit from my garden that I can not eat fresh. 

I know that the best laid plans can go awry but I do have a groundwork to build upon. I will be flexible and I will be keeping a weather eye out for RTC gems when I shop. The raspberries that I picked up for around 15 p a pack are still providing me with tasty treats, lovely sprinkled on my breakfast porridge. 
All the ones from my garden were made into jam.

I have done a little hand washing and need to get it on the line while the sun shines.

                      TTFN                                                Pam