tangerine trees

In lieu of posting a photo of the hat I just finished (which, as a gift, will remain unpictured until received), here is a tiny practice swatch of continental knitting. As you'll see by the poor quality, I need to practice this more (yep, a facecloth is in progress). It's great, though, when you're constantly switching between knit and purl in a pattern, or doing masses of stockinette in the round. I'd like to master it before starting an entirely ribbed hat.

I learned to do this from a YouTube video (safer than skydiving). The lady who did the demo is teaching a class at UK Knit Camp in August - I'd love to go and get guidance (why is tension so troublesome?) but I can't. Anyway: behold!





I wonder if other knitters have lurid sale yarn for practicing new techniques with. I just can't bring myself to use anything I'd actually want for a project. And the crispness of this cotton makes mistakes very obvious, which I guess is a good thing.

So, onward. In addition to the continental washcloth, I've resumed work on the unnamed evil item from wintertime. I'm not at all sure I should have two such troublesome projects on the go at the same time!

When they're finished, next in the queue are:

- a scarf to match the hat just finished

- a warmer hat with earflaps

- a ribbed hat for the husband

- two undecided Christmas presents for my sisters in law, using a super merino-silk blend. mmm.

- amigurumi Christmas ornaments. fun!

Moar yarn!

I'm noticing a trend... I can buy yarn faster than I can turn it into things. Yesterday I found some beautiful wool/silk blend in jewel tones and bought it for top secret Christmas presents. I figure if I start now there's a small chance they'll be done in time!

In other news, still no new finished items to report...