Coming on the heels of several months of work craziness and illness and assorted other pressures, the holidays this year are feeling like a moment of sweet relief. We’re not traveling; no one is visiting. I’ve barely seen my husband or my knitting needles for months, so I’m going to take a few days off to spend with him and friends and yarn. Seriously, all I want for Christmas is lots of hours of knitting, with rain falling on the skylights and football on the television, and it seems like I’m going to get my wish. I’m not exactly known for my ability to stay away from the computer, but I’m going to attempt it — at least for a few days.
If you’re new(ish) here or just have some time to kill, by all means browse around. (Infinite scroll is a wonderful thing!) If you’re in need of last-minute gifts, it’s never too late for a Jumbo Stitch Cowl. Looking for something to cast on over the holidays, scroll back through the New Favorites. In need of a diversion, there’s a giant cache of curiosities and delights in the Elsewheres. Also, I’ll be staying on top of comments, and would love to hear what you’re working on!
And don’t forget we’re planning a little knitalong for the New Year: A few of us will be casting on for Pam Allen’s State Street Cowl on New Year’s Day and talking about it here. I’ve swatched it before and can tell you it’s a great project for anyone who’s looking for a small-scale, low-grade challenge. It’s a simple stitch combination (just knit, purl, yo, k2tog and ssk); a relatively quick, chunky knit; and a chance to get to know charts if you’re wanting to. It’s a very small chart, and since it’s worked in the round you never have to read it the wrong direction. Plus there are written instructions, so you don’t have to rely on the chart at all if you don’t want to. Plus you’ll have friends if you need any help! So do join us — the more the merrier!
In the meantime, to everyone who celebrates: Have a very Merry Christmas. To everyone else: Have a wonderful day off!
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p.s. The Instagram pic is of the pompoms my niece and nephew made for my little last-minute tree when they were visiting last year. Awww.
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UPDATE 01.02.13: The knitalong has begun!
Love the pom poms. Happy Holidays! I’m taking the week between Christmas and New Year’s off to be a hermit and spend some time with family. I’m working on a pair Sausalito Stirrup Socks (Lion Brand free patterns) for my dancer daughter and another Iced cardi (by Carol Feller) for me.
Oh, hm, that’s a cute cardigan. What’s your yarn?
That is my exact Christmas wish too. It sounds perfect, and I’m going to do it. I need some time with my yarn :) And to finish up my projects I have started. I do love the cowl you’ll be working on. I wish I had some time to join you in that knit along, but I really need to finish these 4 projects first.
I love the pompons on the tree, how adorable!
Looking forward to finally making this thing! Happy Holidays, Karen!!!!
Love your Christmas wishes. I hope they come true!
Merry Christmas! I’m really enjoying the basket weave cowl pattern of yours. About half way through my first one and choosing the colours for the second one (already had a couple of requests from friends – seems to be a popular pattern!) so thank you for that!
You’re welcome! I can’t wait to see the finished product.
Happy holidays and thanks for the wishes, everyone.
All right, I got the pattern! Would’ve gotten the yarn, too, but they were sold out of all the colors I tried. LYS should have something! I’m on track to finish my brioche scarf on Sunday, so I’m in for the cowl.
Yay!