Merry Christmas!

Here's a picture of our peanuts under the tree. Hope everyone has a nice holiday & a happy and healthy new year!

Lots to say

Though I haven't been posting much, a lot has been going on.

1. I CO for the Candlelight Shawl in beautiful "Poppy" (red) Tanis Fiber Arts fingering weight yarn. That will get its own post.


2. I participated in my first-ever swap with the Mad Men group on Ravelry. It was an easy swap that involved sending off yarn, a pattern, and snacks (totaling $20-$25) to the person you got matched up with. The person I got likes Jane so I found a picture of Jane online, bought yarn inspired by the color of her dress, and a curvy sock pattern. For snacks, I went to a local store that sells old-fashioned candy and chose two 1960s-era goodies. Here is what I sent off:
   The person who got my name went a little crazy (in a good way) and sent me a ton of stuff. In addition to yarn, a pattern, and snacks, she also gave me a calendar, a magnetic shopping list, a gift card, a candle, and more. The yarn is Manos del Uruguay Silk in colors Peggy would wear. Here's a picture:


3. I finished my Rooibos vest, and it's a bummer. It's such a bummer it doesn't even get its own FO post or a proper photo.
   
   Started: September 18, 2010
   Finished: December 2, 2010
   Yarn: About 5 skeins of Knit Picks Swish Bulky (100% Merino; 137 yards per 100g skein) in Saffron, #25132
   Size: Women's medium
   
   Modifications: Went up a size because my gauge was off. I figured if the vest ended up too big, I could give it to my sister - unfortunately I somehow managed to read "repeat these six rows two times" as "repeat these six rows six times" (no idea how) and made the silly decision to carry on instead of ripping & re-knitting. Figured it'd just be a little long, which was fine with me. As it is, it's way too long for my short sister. Maybe with additional washings it will shrink, but it's definitely not meant to be a gift!
   
   I had my eye on this pattern for quite a while and am upset about how it turned out. When I noticed that I'd messed up between the waist and armholes, I really should have ripped back. At least then I'd have a project that could be worn in public. As it is now, the vest is entirely too long and destined to be an in-house-only garment. ::sigh::


4. My sister has requested slipper-booties for my 1-1/2 year old nephew. I found a pattern for Greemy Slippers, which look similar to an outgrown slipper that actually stayed on his foot, but now that he's running around the house I'll have to find a way to make them grippy-bottomed. I really have to buy the yarn and get moving! Christmas Eve will be here before I know it.

(Excuse the poor writing in this post. Just needed to get it out there because it's been too long since I wrote anything here!)