Handspun Christmas Set

Much of the recent knitting has been Christmas presents, so the details are under wraps for several more months.    I can, however, share this:

with you, because I'm pretty sure the recipient is not a reader.  Just in case, I'll keep the identity secret.  Together, this hat and fingerless mitt set comes in at 215 yards of handspun.  The patterns are just a basic tam and mitttens from Ann Budd's Handy Book of Patterns.

I really can't sing the praises of that book enough.  I have lots of pattern books and stitch dictionaries, yet I always find myself going back to the Ann Budd book.  Even more so since I started spinning my own yarn and like to let the yarn take center stage in a project.

Little Pink Riding Hood

Wow, two jobs really cuts down on my blogging time!  Knitting still progresses, so I have plenty of things to show you (and some Christmas goodies that will have to wait...).  For now I have a lovely Malabrigo hood for me in... pink!  Surprised?


640 yards of Malabrigo worsted (just over 3 skeins).  The pattern is the Pfeiffer Hills Hooded scarf from Interweave Winter 2008.  I loved the idea of a hooded scarf with pockets from the moment I saw the pattern.  My best friend in kindergarten had a hooded scarf and I thought it made so much sense and would keep me from constantly losing my hats.

This was my second try at the pattern.  I wasn't wild about the elongated braid so, the first time, I tried replacing it with a tighter braid.  Meh.  It didn't work out so well.  Plus, the yarn was riduculously scratchy (Paton's Non-merino wool) so it sits in my unfinished project drawer, taking up space.

This, though.... Mmmmalabrigo!  I told you I was crazy for this stuff.  In fact, I've been dying to make this sweater in Malabrigo.  Only... I can't seem to find a sweater's worth of green, grey, or brown anywhere!