And sometimes, I sew . . .

For some reason the idea of heading off to see the world sort of put a fire under my rear and led to me tackling a few projects I've been putting off. Knowing that I would be spending a lot of time on a coach watching the world go by I figured I was going to bring some knitting. (also that if I went two weeks without knitting I might lose my mind) But all my project bags were store bought and too big or too small. So I got out the fabric stash (which is not super impressive - I have to buy fabric if I want to make anything that requires more than half a yard) and took two fabrics I liked. I sewed them together inside out on three sides, turned them right side out, hemmed the one end, folded up what I had- leaving a flap, sewed the sides together, added some snaps, and sewed buttons over the snaps. And that was how my perfect size project bag came to be. Poking out in the open picture are the socks I made while in the coach. I just finished them as we approached Paris - which was the last stop so- perfect timing.

Keeping Warm

This is my newest knit hat modeled by my new head, Edith. (Yes, I know it's a terrible pun.) It's Madeline Tosh sock yarn in what I think was hydrangea colorway. I made socks but they pooled in the ugliest way and met an awful fate with the dryer (perhaps intentional on my part). Luckily there was still enough of this pretty yarn for this hat. It's just stockinette in the round. I made it long enough it fits over an updo and still covers the ears.
It's been colder than usual round these parts and I've had an opportunity to really use a whole lot of my handknit goodies. Both sets of handwarmers, my mittens, two knitted berets, this hat, the recycled sari silk scarf, my clapotis, legwarmers, and plenty of knitted socks have seen action lately. Sadly I only have one handknit wool sweater that fits so I haven't gotten to show off my skills there. On the plus I managed to do some savy shopping for myself and pick up three cashmere cardigans for a little less than the price of one. Everyday I wear one and I will keep this up for as long as the cold lasts (or until I knit a new sweater.) It's sort of like a game. A game I always win.

Why do you wear those socks on your hands?*

These were finished a couple days ago and took about that long dry after I washed 'em. Even with not rushing it only took three days total to do the second warmer. Again, my own pattern and mystery lambswool/alpaca blend. I love these. I got exactly what I set out to make. How nice when that happens.

*Number one question I get from the middle schoolers when I bust out the hand warmers. Number two is "Will you knit me some?" and occasionally "what's the point if they don't cover your fingers?"