What a lovely day at the shop! Despite the snow, the drive in wasn't too bad. Might have had something to do with the fact that I was only a few minutes behind the plows.
After making a cup of tea, I settled in to check out the mail and found the new Knitscene had arrived.
And to make things even better, Amy of Spunky Eclectic has not one, but two patterns in this issue. Little sneak didn't tell me they were coming out!
Since she's been so busy getting her fiber of the month club shipped, I'll forgive her.
Speaking of her fiber of the month club, I hope Santa and his helpers have been to her shop recently. I've been spinning like crazy. Here's my first 8 ounces:
Kinda interesting with all the twisty loops. Amy tells me I can smooth out some of that with blocking. (The rest is hopeless.)
Did you know that when you block handspun you get to take out your aggression on it? You whack it against something to help settle the twist. Haven't tried it yet, but sounds like loads of fun and a great way to relieve some holiday stress.
My second batch of yarn is coming out much better. Scott gave me a braid of Amy's grand opening colorway and it is so pretty.
I'm not sure which I like better, spinning or predrafting. Check out the happy bundles of fluff just waiting to become yarn-
In knitting news, I've been working on a last minute secret Christmas project. It involved a tragic pattern problem and ripping of the first try, but I'm back on schedule.
It actually would be done now, if this didn't keep pulling me away for a few rows here and there:
It is so hard to put down the Noro sock, I just want to see how the next color plays out. The socks are making me so happy. I'm just winging the pattern. Cast on my usual 60sts. Didn't take into account that I wanted knee-highs. My calves need a little more breathing room than 60sts on US 1. Rather than rip, I threw in a few random increases to 66sts. Knit some more. Decided it was still too tight for knee highs. Cut the length shorter, threw in some decreases, and back to 60sts. They won't win any awards on the pattern front, but they make me insanely happy and isn't that what it is all about?
I'm not the only one finishing up gifts. Diana has a few lucky people on her list.
Her market bag:
Lace table runner: (beautiful!)
And a Silky Wool scarf:
Hope you enjoyed the snowy day as well. I'm off to post pictures of the new Spunky yarn we have on the shelves and then to knit.