Lotsa projects for Christmas this year. I'll begin with the smaller stuff and then finish up with the project that started taking shape in my mind last Christmas. Okay, feets, start talking!
I wanted to make a fabulous pair of rainbow socks for Lily, which led me to discovering a new – to me – Canadian yarn dyer and seller based in la belle provençe, called Les Laines Biscottes.
Given the $99 threshold for free shipping, I obviously had to spend that much, which for my purposes meant 4 skeins of Bis-sock self-striping sock yarn (85% machine-washable merino wool and 15% nylon). I had high hopes, and fortunately, I have fallen absolutely in love with this yarn. It's wonderful to work with, to wear, and to wash.
Here are the colourways I chose.
And here's what I did with them.
Socks! Yes, they are a little long in the foot. They were a surprise, so I couldn't get her to try them on along the way. I was measuring by her shoe, and I didn't fully account for the strettttcccccchhhh and bounce of the yarn.
But they are super cute. The colours are glorious.
And more socks! These are for Aaron. I didn't have the second one quite done on Christmas morning, so I just wrapped one and kept knitting. This did not surprise my darling son in the least. My fam jam knows how to roll with it.
Leg warmers for my gorgeous niece.
And a hat for my handsome nephew!
It was Christmas day. I'm impressed the kids stopped long enough to pose for me. They must really love me! (Or else they couldn't stand the potential guilt trip. Either way, I'll take what I get.)
Lily gave me a couple balls of Patons Kroy Socks yarn for Christmas. That kid knows me well! So I knit myself some sweet socks too. Since I started them on Christmas day, I'm including them here.
I used the same pattern - basic dress socks - that I used for Aaron's socks. While it was perfect for the Bis-sock yarn, I would choose a different pattern for the Kroy yarn next time. The foot part of the sock is a little roomy, and I wouldn't want to go down a needle size. The yarn is rougher than the dreamy Bis-sock as well. That said, once washed, it is lovely to wear and the colours are very nice (and about half the price!). Plus, it's available down the road at my local Michaels – no shipping required. It definitely has a place in my heart and my stash!
Now on to the pièce de résistance!
Or, at least, I'm pretty proud of this piece, even if you aren't quite as blown away. When I saw my Aunt Gail having fun styling my mom's shawl last Christmas (2016), I knew I had to make something special just for her this year. Also, she told me I should make her something, so that was also a hint.
She has beautiful hazel–green eyes and a Spring complexion and tends to wear soft neutrals or black, often with a pop of rich colour. I had a strong sense of the particular colour of green I wanted, and I new I wanted to a floaty lace. But I couldn't pick the pattern until I found the yarn and I needed just the right yarn to come to me. AND IT DID.
I waited literally months, and it arrived in my inbox! August Peridot, the August club colourway from Expression Fiber Arts in one of my very, very faves: yak silk! Honestly, the angels were singing that day. It was exactly what I sort of had in mind. (I was the "I'll know it when I see it" person, and I saw it and I knew it! I usually despise that guy.)
Of course, in the meantime, I had been through Ravelry a bunch of times and had a number of patterns saved. The one that kept bubbling up to the top and continued to hold my attention was the Harlow Cowl, so that's what I chose. I loved the glamour, the beading, and the versatility.
I used clear beads with silver in the centre so that they would add a subtle glimmer.
Oh man, this indoor lighting is killllllling me.....
And here we have the beautiful Gail herself, modelling her new cowl on New Year's Day. She liked it! (She did not, however, like the picture. Blame the photographer and the lighting. She looks fab, I assure you.)
That's the 2017 Christmas knitting! And tomorrow is the start of Spring. WHAT.
