Recently in Winter Knits 2004 Category

Pattern: Adapted from Reversible Cable Stole pattern by Lily Chin
Yarn: Rowan Felted Tweed in #144 Conker
Needles: US7

I did indeed finish the scarf in time for Christmas delivery. Remind me of this next time I decide to knit another scarf with US7s. Argh.

The holidays were quiet for us, no camping or climbing involved as BF was sick and it had been raining. It's unusual for L.A. especially for this time of the year, but rain cleans the air and nourishes plant life, so I don't mind. We spent Christmas weekend at my sister's; New Year's at my brother's: lots of great food and wine, games, and walks with the dogs. I taught BF how to play tetherball at a nearby playground while at my sister's, and he being 13" taller than me, promptly kicked my butt. No fair.

I got yarn, pattern books, potholders, handkerchiefs, and knitted socks from BF's mother and her friend, all the way from Germany. His mom has been incredibly generous with the potholders and doilies (smile); I think she likes sharing these things with me since I'm a woman! There were some touching notes, too, like how she crocheted these numerous potholders (trust me, we have a lot) and handkerchiefs from when she was young, for her dowry. The crocheted edgings are so delicate and beautiful.

I'd already mentioned the iPod from my office White Elephant; BF's present to me will be iPod accessories after the shopping crowds have died down and stores have restocked their shelves. Honey soap and lavender lotion from Anthropologie from a friend. I also received chocolate (brother), a new planner (dad), a Philippe S+arck mouse (sister), and a lovely pink pashmina and silk stole (from secret Santa brother-in-law, who regaled us with the story of how he wrangled with two well-dressed women for the last pink one, hee hee).

This holiday was more mellow than previous ones, but I would attribute part of it to everyone loading up on food and wine. We focused more on family and togetherness, and less on presents and religion. Really, everyone works hard and it's a good 2 weeks of just catching up with everyone else. It was good. So there you go. Hope everyone had a peaceful, enjoyable holiday.

Reading: Secret Pal 2 Mia has a weblog, woo hoo! And of course, Dooce.

Did you honestly think I'd pass along that Ugg booties pattern and not knit it? I have the perfect reason too: the stripey Kittyville hat turned out to be fugly (fuchsia + salmon pink = :-P) , and I needed to start on a quick baby gift. I used leftover yarn from Grace for the sole because I didn't know how much yarn I'd actually need. You can see from the picture, however, that I could've knit the entire thing in the cotton; I've got about a third of the ball left over. This yarn makes an interesting texture that I'll take a closeup of next time; it makes it kind of hard to see the stitches, actually.

I'm having the same problem as Missa with the pattern. It calls for US 5 and 6 for the larger size, US 4 and 5 for the smaller. I got gauge with US 3 and 4, knit the smaller size, and still these things are big enough for a 1-year old. I'll probably knit another pair and play around with the measurements and stitch and row count, just because things like this bug me. (Of course, you'll say "You're not using the yarn called for in the pattern!" and I'll say "Fair enough, but someone else did and got a sizing issue." Moot point, yah?)

Now if I can only find that leftover bouclé from Laurie Lambkin...

First, some stash enhancement courtesy of Elizabeth, who was a great Secret Pal. She is *the* enabler for my sampling all the yummy yarns out there. I got some more of the Varaluguai 100% virgin wool, 2 balls of Mission Falls' 1824 Cotton, a skein of oh-so-pettable Classic Elite Lush, and a big fat skein of Noro Iro! I was grinning like the Cheshire Cat on acid when I opened the package. The Mission Falls cotton will be made into a striped Kittyville or Devil hat for our friends' little one, due to arrive in December. The Varaluguai and Lush will marinate in The Stash for a while. BF liked the Noro so I will reserve that for him. Not a hat (I've knit enough of those for him), possibly a scarf? Any ideas? Big thanks and hugs to Elizabeth, you are *truly* awesome.

My kingdom for a photo studio. In an alternate life I would've been a photographer, but let's not go into career choices. The scarf is about 48" long at this point and I think I'll stop at 72". It's warm; those ribs and cables do a good job of trapping in air. I have to block this, as you can see the garter stitch is shorter than the ribs and is pulling everything in.

Don't ask me how many stitches I've dropped (grrr). I have renewed respect for all the knitters (take Anita and Kate, for example) who willingly take KSH and make beautiful wispy things out of it. See my yarn donut? I compared it to the other donut with its tag still on. Same exact size. Heaven help me, Gran should have this by next Christmas.

And how are YOUR winter knits coming along? :-)