Saturday, December 31, 2011

FO: Westward Hat

Westward Hat

Yarn: Berroco Vintage
Pattern: Westward from Westknits Book 1 (ravelry project page)

This fun, quick hat provided an opportunity for me to practice a new skill! Latvian braid. I started this hat whilst visiting my Grandpa in the hospital, and it's a Christmas gift for him. Hopefully, it'll help him with a speedy recovery.

I'm a tad disappointed with the feel of this yarn. The colors enticed me, but the feel was a bit too plasticky.

Friday, December 30, 2011

FO: Chadwick Shawlette

Chadwick Shawlette

Yarn: Shibui Knits Sock & Dream in Color Smooshy
Pattern: Chadwick from Westknits Book 1 (ravelry project page)

Another fun Westknits pattern. This one went quick enough and was small enough that it didn't devolve into boring stockinette like my last Westknits shawlette. A gift for a special friend's birthday, the best kind of knitting. :)

Chadwick Shawlette

Thursday, December 29, 2011

FO: Milo Socks

Milo Socks

Yarn: Araucania Ranco Solid
Pattern: Milo from Sock Innovation (ravelry project page)

In theory, I'm still working on that self-imposed sock challenge, to knit each pattern from Sock Innovation. At this rate, I'll be done about the same time I turn 40. :-/

This pattern was quite enjoyable to knit. Just enough cabling to keep things interesting, but nothing too hand-cramp-inducing. I really enjoyed working with this yarn--beautiful color, nice springiness. It was purchased (on sale!) from a cute little yarn shop in Leavenworth that was in the process of closing when we visited. It's a sad thing when a yarn shop closes.

Milo Socks

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

FO: Victoria Socks

Victoria Socks

Yarn: Estelle Arequipa
Pattern: Improvised, details on ravelry

Got this yarn (on sale!) in Victoria, BC, last year. Same yarn that I used for these socks for Raj. Super soft wool, alpaca, nylon blend. Lovely colors. These ones are keepers for me.

Victoria Socks

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

FO: Tiger Stripes Socks

Tiger Stripes Socks

Yarn: Lion Brand Sock-Ease
Pattern: Improvised (ravelry project page)

More socks for my husband. He's always asking for more socks, yet he seems to forget about the pairs he already has... :) Maybe I'll whip out an old pair the next time he asks for some and try to pretend I've just made them.

I improvised some sort of knit/purl pattern for these socks. I'm sure I could find it if I flipped through my Barbara G. Walker... The important thing: they fit and don't slouch.

Tiger Stripes Socks

note to self: this yarn is crap

Monday, December 26, 2011

Happy Boxing Day!

Meowy Xmas

Hope you all had a nice Christmas, if that's your thing. Or a nice alternate-winter-holiday. I think this was one of the best Christmases in recent memory. A good balance of family, friends and peaceful reflection, with a more-than-healthy dose of excellent food and PIE.

I may have discovered the key to a peaceful holiday: not over doing it on the crafts. There was no frantic, last minute sewing or knitting this year. This was the extent of my "last minute" crafting:

Happy RBC

A knitted red blood cell ornament for my hematologist colleague. (Pardon all the crappy cell phone pics in this post, thanks.) A fun little project, cleverly constructed. Though knitting at such a tight gauge is not my idea of fun.

Our Christmas cards were also a nice balance of being a bit crafty but not a huge time-suck. I used the website overnightprints.com to make these postcards. They were a great deal and they don't come with an annoying company logo stamped on the back (like with other services).

Xmas postcards

In lieu of crafting, I filled all spare pre-holiday moments with baking. So many recipes tried out over the past week. Some favorites: nutella sea salt fudge

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Apple pie. I made 2 with this recipe; super quick when you use pre-rolled crust from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. Super yummy.

Apple Pie

Banana Coconut Cream Pie (with Nilla Wafer crust)

Banana Coconut Cream Pie

Looking forward to what the new year holds. Hope everyone gets time to relax and reflect.

Holiday Us