Extra-Spectral

These turned out larger than I had anticipated. As planned, I didn't want much stretching for optimum warmth (which I indeed accomplished!), but they are easily big enough for my son's US size twelve and a half feet. So, it's back to the drafting board on gauge and I intend to change up the sole -- the garter sole is too rolly(?) ... needs more structure.

I do, however, like the four row slip-stripe on the sides and back. It looks a little strange, I admit, with the plain stripe panel in the front, but I was going for a multi-use pattern, leaving a place for cabling in a single color yarn. In my second draft, I was using a two row slip-stripe, which produced a very dense and interestingly patterned fabric. May revisit that idea on the next go, should I dig out another bundle of oddball leftover yarn -- would definitely make a sturdier sole -- and, given my unjustified fears of not fitting, could possibly work after all.

Commitment Issues

My darling man-child got himself into a spot of trouble on New Year's Eve, resulting in a ticket and court date, set for January fifteenth. Being that I still mother him (ever so slightly, mind), it was a court date for the whole family... which pretty well had me in knots as soon as I realized it was quickly approaching.

Social commitments are not my strong suit, as, for some years now, I have fought with panic/anxiety which is predominantly triggered outside of our home, almost always when waiting or being still. I realize court probably isn't considered social to many, but, to myself, it involves the same readying... the dressing process, having conversational topics, and bringing something to do should a lull present itself.

For this engagement, I started on an idea I had whilst doing the Christmas makery, which was inspired when knitting a little hat for a friend's niece.


petal: a neutral based beanie for little heads with interchangeable flowers and bands

charcoal heather hat; bands/flowers in soft pink, sage, and grape

I kind of love it. ... but I love most things involving the infliction of absurdity on children :D And, now that I am looking at it, I see the idea can totally be expanded to encompass a propeller beanie! ;) YAY

First Things First

After the hullabaloo of the holidays -- stocking my etsy shop, vending local craft markets, gift making, visiting/hosting, cookingcookingcooking -- I am more than ready for some downtime and dying to crack into the yarn I bought myself for Christmas...




stock images from KnitPicks, I haven't allowed myself to open the box yet

... but, priorities. Even though I threw my hands up over the throw pillows (there *must* be a trick to nice fiber stuffing) mid-week, I cannot bring myself to start a new project until This Present Clutter is addressed and it will not be put off until we can get something going in the garage -- I'll go mad! My temporary fix is to commandeer the living room.



Problem being, the living room, since we began renovation, has been a holding cell for the more oft used tools, lengths of trim, drywall schwack, paint, and a catchall for recently packed things which will not fit into our half of the [local rented storage space]. But, before I can banish all of the whatnot, I will have to exorcise the garage.

Priests!