So. Christmas is over. My thesis has been handed in, my presents were (in the nick of time) completed and wrapped (rather at the last minute) and everyone seems pleased with everything! In addition to some hats and scarves, I had some fun with Christmas this year, making everyone in my immediate family some stockings:
In order, we have:
– Donna Kay’s Victorian Christmas Stocking, from IK 2002 (and Interweave’s handy online pattern shop), knit in Knitpicks Palatte Garnet Heather and Sunlight, given to my Mom
-Nancy Bush’s Village of Kirbla Estonian Stocking, from IK’s Christmas Stockings book, knit in Knitpicks Telemark in Bayberry, Cream, Rosemary, and Northern Green, and given to my Dad
-Nancy Bush’s Village of Tallinn Stocking, from her Knitting on the Road book, again in Telemark in Garnet Heather and Cream, with the leftover Rosemary for the cuff; presented to my sister R
-Lisa Carnahan’s Snowy Night Gansey Stocking, again from IK’s Christmas Stocking book, done in Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Iron Ore, given to my brother
-Kate Gilbert’s Fireside Stocking, from IK’s Holiday ’07 issue, knit in Telemark Cream, Brass Heather, Persimmion Heather, Flame Heather, and Garnet Heather, and given to my sister E.
I tried to match patterns and colors to personalities, and I think it all worked out rather well. Every one of these stockings, to me at least, very clearly announces who it belongs to. I’m really happy with the finished objects, and very gratified that my father immediately announced we’d be using them next year. (Which means I should get cracking on my own!)
I also knit a quick Clementine Shawlette for my great-Aunt, and previously-discussed bed socks for my grandfather, and a hat for my young cousin, who was happy with it for a moment, concluded it was too big, and put on the engineer’s hat I had also gotten him instead. Then he gave me a huge hug. Twice. I am not complaining.
But now…now I can knit for myself again! I have an almost completed shawl that’s made very beautiful use of my Koigu mill ends, and yarn all picked out for a hat, and so many socks to do — my new skein of Silk Garden Sock, which was waiting for me under the tree, wants to be turned into something pretty…