I made these Garter Stitch Mitts way back in November but seeing I made them as a Christmas present, I have had to keep quiet about them. This was the project which made me fall in love with Russian grafting. It is not entirely invisible, but it is a very tidy and neat way of grafting. Anyway, the mitts have been gifted and the recipient has already begun using them. I plan on making myself a pair of Garter Stitch Mitts at some point – the pattern is bordering on being absolute genius.
I have had a couple of (planned) days off work and like a sensible person I have mainly kept indoors. Britain is having “the worst winter in 30/70/100 years” (depending upon which news outlet you believe) and snow is everywhere. Being Scandinavian I am actually used to snow (even if I dislike it immensely) but I am not used to people not dealing well with snow. Pavements are not being cleared; cars do not sport winter tyres and have a troubling tendency to spin slightly out of control whenever I walk near them; and public transport is predictably unpredictable. I continue to get a kick out of watching people walk around in wellies and big acrylic jumpers – winter boots and layers are key to dressing for freezing temperatures, folks! The cold snap is set to last for some time yet – which is good news for my Scheherazade Fan Shawl (a few rows away from being done) seeing as it is more a lap blanket than a shawl. So nice and snuggly – perfect for this weather.
Finally, a little plea for some help. My birthday is about a month away and my family is asking me for a wish list. I have decided against asking for yarn (I have decided that 2010 is the year of stash-down), but I have no idea what else to ask for. I have this weird thing about only wanting things I actually NEED rather than wanting little luxurious things. If you could ask for little little luxuries, what would you ask for? Remember – non-yarny things only!
Georg Jensen earrings of course!
Buttons, perhaps?
I alrealy know what to get you. Just need to check with you SO that you don’t have it already.
This is knitting related but have you got blocking wires? My dad got me some for my birthday (although they haven’t actually arrived yet).
For little luxuries, hmm. I have some cashmere socks from the White Company that I would never buy myself but they are lovely and cosy in bed. What about expensive toiletries that you can’t justify buying yourself? I got some Liz Earle handcream at christmas and it’s wonderful. If I were you I’d also have a wander round Fifi & Ally in Princes Square for inspiration. They always have lovely things that you don’t need.
I have that exact problem with presents. I spend a lot of energy not wanting things that it gets to be habit, because once I open the door of wanting, I can’t stop!
I also sympathize with people not being able to deal with weather. I have lived most of my life in a snowy part of the US. Living for a few months further south, I would get frustrated with people would drive as if in a big snowstorm when it was merely raining.
Ask for little things to make you smile, things you’ll see frequently and be reminded of: a pretty (handmade?) mug or bowl, special earrings (which are something I wear frequently) or a ring, that one kitchen pan or utensil you’re been doing without but you could use anyway.