One of the many downsides of posting on a blog infrequently is that when I come back, it's hard to know where to start. Often in the intervening time between posts, I've composed posts in my head, only to never write them, because by the time I get around to it, the time has past. (For this reason, you will not be getting my post entitled "Present Tense" about my anxiety around giving and receiving gifts. Maybe next year.)
We could talk about the knitting... I finished these wonderful mittens, oh, two or three weeks ago. (click for bigger.) They were well-received by my sister, who happens to own a hat I knit for her in a similar purple. How fabulous is Kate's pattern? I have to admit I'm a little envious. (Jealousy is probably my greatest sin. And I'm a UU... I don't use the word sin lightly.)
I love these so much, I've already started a second pair, this time with royal blue as the background color. I'm knitting them ultimately for myself, but they'll likely spend some time modeling at my LYS, A Loom with a View, where I'm hoping to teach a class on how to make them.
Want a close-up of the birdies? Sure you do. The embroidery was a little tricky for me, as that's not my native language, but I think it came out well enough. For the second one, I did the embroidery before closing the top of the thumb, and it made a huge difference.
Stats: yarn - Cascade 220 in #8885 (plum) and Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in natural; needles - size 2.75mm bamboo double-points; mods - none.
One of my goals for 2008: either be more attentive to the blog, or just quit. I'm sick of doing things halfway! So, I'm going to stop this post here, and save the rest for tomorrow.
Happy New Year!!!! I don' care if you post infrequently; it's nice to stop by and see what you've been up to :)
Posted by: Michele | January 01, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Happy new year. I'm jealous of you so we're even! xoxo, Kate
Posted by: kate | January 01, 2008 at 12:24 PM
you may not stop blogging. even if it's infrequent, I love seeing what you're working on. so stop putting so much unnecessary pressure on yourself and simply blog when you feel like it. no expectations, okay? this is purely for pleasure. just enjoy it, as frequently or infrequently as it happens. we'll be here regardless.
Posted by: The Feminist Mafia | January 01, 2008 at 08:29 PM
Beautiful mittens and keep blogging.
Posted by: Teresa C | January 01, 2008 at 08:36 PM
It was so good to see you again ... getting that little tip about the embroidery was the icing on the cake!
Posted by: Ruth | January 01, 2008 at 11:27 PM
Happy New Year, and the mittens are gorgeous! Please don't stop blogging, even if it is infrequent.
Posted by: Kat with a K | January 02, 2008 at 02:11 PM
Happy New Year, Alison!
Posted by: Donna | January 02, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Noooo! You must keep blogging. Even if it's only occasionally. Happy New Year and good to see you recently :)
Posted by: Danielle | January 03, 2008 at 02:59 PM
I love these mittens, and broken record, don't stop blogging.
Posted by: Sally | January 04, 2008 at 04:37 PM