Panta

Pattern: Panta, as seen on craftster.org
Yarn: Moda Dea Cartwheel
Needles: size 7

I love this pattern: simple, comfortable, and also adjustable to any head size. The pattern was written a little off, but I understood the basic concept and made it up as I went along. I'll probably wear this more often than any of my hats. And, almost instant gratification, how can you beat that?

Scarf Parade

Here are some of the scarves I've made over the years:

- Blue drop-stitch scarf from Carron Simply Soft

- Green ribbed scarf from Bernat boucle

- Reddish purple fuzzy scarf from Crystal Palace Splash

- Purple stockinette scarf from some chenille yarn I bought in Ireland

My first socks! Ok, so maybe they're two different sizes, but a sock is a sock, right? Wool-ease sportweight on size 3s. (I aquired a massive amount of this yarn from a thrift store and decided to use it for experimental purposes.)

Ribbed Shrug

Here's the ribbed shrug from Interweave Summer 2005, done in Paton's Katrina on size 10 needles. J calls it "the sleeve," and others have been likewise perplexed by this seemingly ill-functional garment. But, its extremely soft and stretchy, and I will continue to wear it even if no one else understands.

No more spectacular sunsets

In an idealistic rush, I decided to give the student gym another chance, disregarding the kickboxing disappointment of September. Another teacher, "Lulu," was giving a kickboxing class. I thought, "It's winter session, no one will be there." Well, except for 30 straight-haired-ponytail girls. Apparently Lulu thought it would be a good idea to let us all swing around 4-9 pound metal sticks dangerously close to each others heads. I almost ran away screaming, but was faced with an American Gladiator style gauntlet preventing me from reaching the door.

Then there's the incident of the hairdresser attempting to beat the world land speed record with scissors; at least I didn't end up with 80's bangs. I'm trying to block out that experience.

In other news, I'm back to my baker-elf-like work room, lamenting the fact that when I look out of my non-existent window I no longer see this:

Picovoli

Pattern: Grumperina's Picovoli (size 32)
Yarn: Knitpicks Shine in Cloud, 4 1/2 balls
Needles: Size 5 bamboo circulars

Is it odd that the first finished object of 2006 . . . January . . . is a sleeveless top that I won't be able to wear until at least April? Actually, this is a new epiphany: usually, I'll start a seasonal-appropriate object and not finish it until the season's over, and not be able to wear it for at least 6 months. But, I love it so much, I wouldn't think it beyond me to randomly put it on and parade around in front of the mirror. Shine is a great yarn, so soft and shiny (hence the name). Now, what to do next . . .

New Mexico . . . You Know you Want it

The other day J and I went on a long drive into Lincoln National Forest, and eventually reached this view, about 7,000 feet up. Don't you just love the desert? Ok, maybe the rusted out car halfway down the mountain slope and the lack of guardrails were a little disconcerting, but the view was worth it.

I've been enjoying 80-degree temperatures and constant sunshine, and seriously wondering why people bother to live in places where its crowded and it snows. Maybe it's not as festive to have Christmas lights on a house surrounded by cactus and palm trees, but let me tell you, New Mexicans sure can decorate.

Of course I haven't been doing what I should (attempting to pass my French exam), but rather have been enjoying the idea of doing nothing. I've saving up because I know that in a few more weeks leisure will be a thing of the past. (No! Don't think about that!)

My first sweater

Here's my first sweater, which took a little less than 2 years to complete. Why so long? Well, it was knit on size 4 needles, to start, and it quickly became one of those "I don't know if I really like this anymore" things. The pattern is a modified version of Peppermint Twist from SnB. It's made of wool-ease, which softened up in the dryer, but is still a little scratchy on my neck. Even if I don't wear it much, I think it served its purpose by keeping me occupied for years :)