Eurovision socks
Last night saw the teenagers and I glued to the television for the Eurovision Song Contest, which amazingly, has now been running for an incredible 56 years. The homely – and fairly small – European song-writing competition that I grew up with has meanwhile morphed into a huge media spectacular, with participation from 43 countries this year. Even though the number of entrants is whittled down to 25 before the final it still goes on FOREVER. As a point of principle (and because it’s always held on a Saturday night) I let everyone watch the whole show. I remember the agony of being sent to bed before the result when I was my son’s age!
We were of course supporting the UK (11th) and Switzerland (a very undeserved last place, with a fun, catchy song, which I caught myself singing in the shower this morning!), but also loved Jedward from Ireland with their Lipstick song. That’s another one that I can’t get out of my head. For those of you who haven’t heard of them, Jedward are idential twin brothers John and Edward who made their name on the X factor (that’s them in the photo below!) . Frankly they are completely bonkers – but I LOVED their song! I would have uploaded the link from youtube, but can’t fathom out how to do it! Have a look though. It will make you smile!
The other big hit – particularly with one of my daughters – was Eric the very dishy Swede, who came 3rd. She claims she liked him because he was a great dancer, but I think there may have been more to it than that. See what I mean?
Anyway, enough middle-aged mother burbling about popstars…Let’s cut to the chase and talk about socks!
With all that television time infront of me, I realized that I wasn’t going to survive the night without some socks to work on. While I really want to get the second of my Appunto (Three Irish Girls) socks done, there was no way I was going to manage to concentrate and get the pattern right and watch TV at the same time. Appunto is a strictly no-multitasking sock.
Instead I’m playing safe and have returned yet again to Evelyn A. Clark’s Retro Ribbed Sock from Favorite Socks by Interweave (still the best sock pattern book I know!) . I can almost work this pattern without looking – and it really does make the most lovely socks. I’m using Green Mountain Spinnery Forest yarn, which is 70% wool and 30% tencel. The tencel almost gives it the feeling of cotton, but it’s a little more robust and wears better than 100% wool. I can’t remember which colourway this is – either Shadow or Grape Swirl – it’s purple, with very slight mottling.
Considering how long I was infront of the TV, I really haven’t made an awful lot of progress. I guess that means that I enjoyed the show!
Have a great Sunday!
Helen
May 15th, 2011 at 3:09 pm
Still amazed! This year my New Years plan was to learn to crochet! I did that…next year I vow to learn to knit something besides a scarf! I’ll be asking you lots of questions!
Have a wonderful week, you Sunday is nearly over and ours is just beginning. Our granddaughter makes her First Communion today. It’s a big day for our family!
May 15th, 2011 at 6:37 pm
I liked Sweden too, I have to say. But as for the winner – well, “they” say that it is one of the few countries which can afford to have the contest next year! Oil, you know. Denamrk was also good, and Jedward did well too, and at least the UK did not come last. A miracle.
May 15th, 2011 at 11:08 pm
I liked Moldova and their pointy hats!
May 19th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
Switzerland should have been up in the top ten at the very least. It was a lovely little song. Great that you like the crazy Jedward. Sweden’s Eric had all the teen girls swooning I think! And what lovely colour yarn for the socks. Go Eurovision sock!