My mom has decided to join the Red Hat Society. I'm not exactly sure what the ladies do -- I suspect it might involve panties and Tom Jones, but that's entirely speculation on my part. So, Mom's commissioned me to make her a, well, red hat. She had found a pattern in an old Paton's book from the 60's. I know she like it a lot, but my answer when she asked me to make it was "You're not serious, are you?" I think that may have dampened her enthusiasm for the style.

So, I went out and got this book. It actually has some cute things in it -- particularly the slippers, but also a nice cloche (not the one on the cover, though that's cute too - just not so much for a senior citizen, imho). I know I have some genuine wool tucked away that might just felt up perfectly. Of course, I say this without ever having felted a thing in my life -- I'm just buying into the propoganda that it's soooo easy! Next weekend, work permitting, I'm going to try a slipper. If it goes well -- then it's on to the hat!

I'm going to try to complete some knitting for charity this year. I'm not sure yet what organization I'll donate to -- but I think I'd like to make a pair of mittens plus a hat or scarf each month for the year. One of each a month seems pretty doable. So here's the first pair of mitts (also the first pair I've ever made). I'm about 50% through a matching stocking cap to go with it - pics of that in a couple days.

I've only had one secret pal -- but she is clearly the best one ever! Just look at what's come in the mail today! First of all -- the yarn. (The candy really does come first, but this is nominally a knitting blog, so first the yarn.) Three balls of "The SRK Collection - Truffles" -- yes! chocolate yarn! -- and a ball of "Lana Grossa - Mega Boots stretch" that has a pair of socks hidden inside, begging to be set free.

Then there's Tigger stickers (I danced with Tigger at Disneyworld -- he's my favourite!), some adorable knitting notecards, a pattern book called "Celebration Days - Handmade gifts & treasures" and "Knitwit - 30 Easy & Hip Projects" (which I have long coveted!).

And...the candy. Caramel milk chocolate and licorice. Yum!

Thank you Secret Pal!

I finished up the Cherry Leaf Scarf. In the end, I'm not very happy with the result. The scarf itself is okay -- but the finishing I opted for (which was completely in keeping with the pattern) looks terrible -- just three rows of flat garter across the end (the beginning end is all nice and, well, pointy like leafs). There is a second option for finishing -- but it would involved frogging half the scarf, and I just don't have the heart for that. So, for now at least, I'm calling it finished.

And I finished up Haiku. I loved knitting this little sweater. And I'm more than happy with the results. It's in a size 1-2, so it's not going to fit for another few months -- but it's still going in the birthday package! The other picture is of the buttons I used -- sorry for the blurriness, but you get the idea. My sister-in-law has a huge stash of great buttons and was gracious enough to donate these 4. They couldn't have been more perfect!

As fabulous as crocheted stockings would surely be, I've held myself back from starting a pair of these. The hat, well that's a different story.

Knit them in pairs indeed -- torture is best shared. Acutally the hats & sweaters are too bad....but the pants! My God! The pants!

I've had company pretty much solid for the past two weeks, which is all very nice but a little on the tiring side. While I was getting ready for their arrival(s), I finally sorted through some old boxes of patterns that had come from my husband's mother. These particular gems came from early 70's editions of McCalls Needlework and Crafts.

The knitting gods are sending me a message. I believe it should be transcribed thusly:

"Thou hast sinned verily against us.

Thouest did vow thine most solemn vow that thou wouldst shun the purchase of new tributes until thine had set thou house of stash in order and completed thine offerings already cast upon thouest needles.

And lo, verily, how thou hast strayed this day.

Our judgment shalt be swift, our punishment severe lest thou be led further into temptation. These new tributes shall fail upon thine needles, and the words of the scripture from which thou has discerned thine pattern shall become liken unto the Tower of Babel for thou. And yea, even if thou dost attempt penance by the creation of a gauge, thou shalt be unable to count thine stitches and thou shalt wallow in frustration and thence thou shalt know the fullness of our wrath.

Take thee from our sight until thou mayest render unto us the offerings thou has vowed to complete, all others shall be accursed until that day."

So, the new poncho? Yeah, it's on hold for now.

I got a package today from my SecretPal -- and what a package! Just look at all my stuff!

There's a pair of exfoliating gloves for the bath, some licorice (yum!), some adorable stitch markers that spell out "Linda Knits" (I LOVE those!), some cinnamon hearts (more yum!), some lemon butter cuticle creme and (and!) a hank of "Alpaca Cloud"-100% baby alpaca, complete with pattern for a scarf cowl. The wool is so soft, I keep holding it against my cheek. And the colour! It's called midnight -- it's dark, like a summer night, but with such subtle depth to it....it is gorgeous.

Thank you SecretPal! You are amazing! And as for not living somewhere exotic? Remember where I live!