Knitting hangover

Have you ever had a knitting hangover? It isn't pretty. I was up until 2 am working on my sock from Knitting Vintage Socks and watching a TV series Kidnapped. I got the DVD from the library and became immediately addicted. Well, this is the aftermath on the next day.



I had been hoping to get my yarn from Knit Picks on Saturday to get started on the Gaffer's Gansey for my dad-in-law during the first Minnesota snow storm. We got about six inches and no new yarn. It did finally arrive today - during our second snow storm, and we're scheduled to have two more by Saturday. Yikes - it is going to be a long and snowy winter. I had a 90 minutes commute home from work - to travel 4 miles. I could have walked home faster. Have I mentioned that I hate taking the bus? But when I got home, I had more problems. The yarn...not good, as we say in Minnesota.

The color for the Gaffer's Gansey is probably too bright for a man. I will have to wait to see the verdict from the recipient.



And my clumsiness with rolling up a hank of lace weight? Also, not good...



But my new project is off to a great start. I am making the Lace Leaf Scarf from the Holiday 2006 issue of Knit Simple out of Andean silk from Knit Picks in Hollyberry. I was going to knit it with the lace weight (seen in the mess above) but I am too mad at that yarn at the moment to include it with this project. After dismissing the lace weight Alpaca Cloud from Knit Picks, I thought I might include the Misti Alpaca in the scarf (seen below). But you will see I am sticking with one yarn - and regular knitting needles to boot. Very old school! This will be a gift for a good colleague at work - someone who has been very generous with her time and support.



In closing, I feel compelled to share with you that Wiley (the cat knitting on Thanksgiving) has developed a large ego after seeing himself on the web. Tobey, his brother, feels he is a much better model and better behaved. I can't say I agree with the better behaved part, but he is a charmer...



The camera adds a few pounds, right?

Back from Thanksgiving

Just a couple quick pics from Thanksgiving. It was a great week spending time with family and relaxing.

Here's my mom-in-law mastering the kitchener stitch:



Here are her finished socks:



Here's Wiley knitting:



Here's me on Thanksgiving morning - Mark and I had a nice long walk in preparation for all the calories later in the day. This is my first color knitting, first dpn project, and first hat - all in one. I made this a couple years ago.



There are many other Thanksgiving pics that are posted on Flickr. This should be a good month. My father-in-law has requested the "Gaffer's Gansey" sweater from Elizabeth Zimmerman's Knitting workshop.



What a great choice he made - I have had my eye on this pattern for awhile now. We ordered Wool of the Andes from Knit Picks and I am anxious to see that wool. This oughta keep me off the streets during the month of December when I can't stand going near any store for any reason. I will keep y'all abreast of my progress - (especiallly you Steve!)