Appreciation goes a long ways

After I posted yesterday, I realized I had forgotten to include the names of the patterns I used for the two dishcloths I showed you. The solid one is called Mini Cables and the multi one is Vertical Lines. Both of these are from a booklet I've had for a lot of years by Leisure Arts called Nifty Knit Dishcloths, which I believe can still be found in craft stores. I haven't wanted to knit anymore of them until my new needles I ordered arrived. I prefer to use straights when I knit cloths, and I'm pretty sure I have worn out the bamboo ones I was using. The tips were becoming too blunt and my hands just couldn't take battling the drag I get when I use them to knit with cotton. So, last week I ordered the entire set of 10" straights in the Caspian design from Knit Picks, as well as the 5" DPNs in the Sunstruck finish. They arrived yesterday and I'm so happy to have them now! I think they will make knitting with cotton easier...plus, they are just plain pretty!!

 

When the colder weather began here in northern California, I noticed three of my grandsons needed new hats, so I settled in to get some made for them. I won't post all the pics here, but they are on my project page in Ravelry. I had never seen their sister wear hats before, so silly me, I just assumed she didn't wear them. After I finished the boy's beanies, she asked if I would make her a hat. She described what she was looking for and it sounded like Hot Toddy by Thea Colman (babycocktails) was the one. After finishing it though, I noticed a little grimace on her face and asked her if I did the right one. She said it was great, but she now decided she wanted one with a little more slouch. I felt like a pattern with a little less cabling would be better then, so I knit her the Basic Cabled Hat by Chantal Clay. She absolutely loves it and wears it constantly...SCORE!!

 

At the last minute for Christmas, I decided I wanted to knit my sister and her husband some more new socks. I knew there wouldn't be time though before we all gathered for dinner and presents, so I found some cute Santa themed IOUs online, printed one out for each of them, and in the space where it allowed for what you owe the person, I wrote, "one hand knitted item of your choice." Had I lost my mind or what!?!? hahahaha Actually, I knew they would both choose socks, and I was right. I had them decide right then and there before they could change their minds. hahaha They LOVE hand knit socks and they are so appreciated, which makes it nice to knit them for them. The very next day, I ran out and bought the yarn, came home and cast on for my sister's. I love the Paton's Kroy yarn and the striping is so much fun. I have finished the first sock, and cast on yesterday for the second one. I'm hoping to have Diane's done by the end of this coming week.

Don't these look fun?! I did an afterthought heel and plain vanilla sock, in the colorway, Blue Striped Ragg.

 

 



As part of a Christmas gift from the company my husband works for, they pick up the tab for a nice dinner at any restaurant of our choosing. We were going to drive to Morton's in San Francisco, but decided we both would rather pick some place local and low key, no traffic, and with food we are familiar with. Last night, we chose our favorite Asian restaurant where we know the dish I want to eat falls within my eating plan. Since November 1st, so far I have dropped 24 pounds and have never felt better!!! I have more energy, but the one thing I've noticed is I'm cold all the time now. Darn...guess I'll have to knit more sweaters, huh? Yayyyy!!! Chris tells me it's because I've lost my insulation..hahaha I'm down two sizes, so he was very generous with some gift cards for Christmas so I could get some new clothes. It is definitely motivating me to get out my sewing machine and start sewing my own wardrobe again, which I love doing!!! Anyway.....in addition to the dinner, Chris's company also awards him with a very generous bonus. We aren't sure what we will use it for yet, but it has already gone into our savings account, if and when we decide.

 

It's a beautiful Saturday here in northern California...cold, but the sun is shining! I have some errands to run, and after that, I'm very content to come home, snuggle up in front of the fireplace with my knitting and fur babies, and watch a good movie with my husband. What will your weekend plans include?