Three down, 12 to go!

 Last week I was commenting about the 15 projects screaming for my attention.  And then I started something new. 

This week i will claim three finished projects — the new cowl which is downstairs soaking in water and vinegar.  Every time I touched that project, my hands turned green.  My stitch markers all have a green tinge to them now.  Only a slight tinge, which will wesr off over time.  But the cowl itself?  Into the water it went, got swished, soaked, got swished.  And the water is still clear without any green.  How does that happen, I ask you.  Pictures next time, I promise. 

I also finished these little guys: 

These are a pattern called Gramps from Tin Can Knits.  This has become one of my favourite patterns, for a lot of reasons.  The sizes available range from newborn to adult 4X; the pockets add a nice touch; and finally who could possibly resist the elbow patches? These were created for the impending arrival of a set of twins, due in early April.  The shower was Sunday, so the need for secrecy is no longer present.

I knit the 6-12 month size, using Estelle Worsted.  I needed two skeins of the main colour and one for the contrast.  There was plenty of yarn left that I could have made hats as well, had time permitted.  In fact, I only needed the second skein to finish the last inch of the second sleeve on each sweater.

 Let me tell you about those buttons.  They are the world’s most expensive buttons.  I needed 10, so off to Fabricland I go.  Three packages of buttons in hand, and I recall I need some interfacing for the book I intend to make for my grand-daughter.  I have the panel already … so I find interfacing.  But wait!  Christmas fabric is on sale at 60% off.  Since I made stockings for my family, it has expanded seven times.  So I pick out seven different fabrics for new stockings.  Sadly, I did not find fabric for the top part of the stockings, but that doesn't NEED to specifically be Christmas fabric.  The young lady started measuring and cutting. I looked at the amounts adding up … bought a membership and saved over $100.  Now I can’t wait to get to my sewing machine.

In other news, the packages mailed to my sons have both arrived at their respective destinations.  They have been opened, to much joy and delight.  And the socks all fit the recipients,  Yay!  Christmas 2023 is mow officially put to bed.

Memories

 My mother was an excellent knitter.  My memories include her always having something on the go.  

One year she knitted afghans for grandchildren.  Meg got one; my three did as well.  Carrie’s was aqua and her brothers’ were a true green and a blue.  Rascal that she was, Carrie climbed up next to my mother, looked her in the eyes and announced that next year Carrie wanted pink.  Having made her wishes clear, Carrie scampered off to tuck her stuffed animals under the new afghan.  Mom looked at me, panic clear on her face.  There was no way she was going to finish an afghan in time.  I reassured her that Carrie would not remember her demand, and I was correct.

I remember the first afghan from this pattern.  It was one where you work a lot of increases in the midst of the pattern sequence.  You had the same number of stitches at the end of row 4 and end of row 1.  Rows 2 and 3 varied widely.  Once she had that understanding, Mom was off to the races and created 4, maybe 5, afghans.

Anyway, the sharing of that memory was spurred by the discovery of this little set that Mom knit.  After her passing, I was given several projects that were in progress.  This finished outfit was included.

I discovered this while gathering together this year’s socks.  Serendipity, I suppose.  It must have been in my possession when the two grandsons were born.  I did not find it at the time, nor did I recall having it.  So, with the discovery happening just as a new granddaughter was present … 

The gift was labelled from “Grandma Dixon” to Carrie.  She was awed, and teary-eyed.  So was I.  This makes Christmas 2023 one of the most special memories ever.   I swear I could feel my mother looking over my shoulder and grinning.

In other news, I have been knitting.  As fast as my fingers allow.  I have 15 projects demanding my attention.  Two of them are sweaters for the impending arrival of a set of twins.  My project bag overflows.

And yet … we always want new samples for the store.  The Juniper Moon Stargazer, a luxurious blend of baby llama and silk, needs a sample.  I had been idly surfing Ravelry to find a pattern I liked.  And then I found The Pattern.  Soft As a Cloud from Purl Soho. 

What IS a knitter with 15 projects screaming to be finished to do? 

I cast on.