Oh, the holidays. It's the time I spend a lot of time knitting, eating, and enjoying some quality time with my family.
A family that surfs together stays together, right?
My sister did indeed like the hat I knit for her, so it appears that I'll have to knit another Selbu Modern (pdf) if I would like to wear one. My brother was also happy with the fingerless gloves I knit for him. He wears the pair I made him last year a lot, and he wanted a black and grey pair this year so that they would match more things.
The chart is from the Vespergyle mittens, and I knitted the gloves in a size and shape that made sense for my brother. I used Miss Bab's Yummy Superwash Sport in Obsidian and Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool on US 2.5 needles.
I had planned to knit these gloves while in Indiana, and I didn't expect my brother to arrive at my parents' house until Christmas Eve. He came earlier this year, so I was suddenly trying to knit quickly while he was sleeping late or busy in another room. On Christmas Eve I still had a lot to do, and it was necessary to knit even if he was within eyesight. Mom predicted that he wouldn't notice, and he didn't! The gloves were still a surprise on Christmas morning.
I also knit a pair of socks for David. Even though he is not a wearer of socks unless absolutely necessary, he allowed that his feet sometimes do get cold and he might like a pair of wool socks. I've never knit such big socks before, and by the time I got finished with the first sock (using the pattern from Charade) I was a little tired of the stitch pattern. I asked David if he minded me knitting him socks with different patterning, and he did not.
The second pattern is from the Gentleman's Shooting Stocking in Knitting Vintage Socks. The patterning was simple (knits and purls), but I really enjoyed knitting them and I like the end result. I also used a size US 2 needle for the second sock (I used a US 1 needle for the first), and the socks went by much more quickly on a size 2. The yarn is Maple Creek Farm Superwash Merino Sock. David says that he likes the socks, and we'll see if he actually wears them!
It looks like I won't be able to get all of my FOs for 2008 posted before the new year, but try to show you a few more of them soon. Happy New Year, all!
what great knit gifts! that first shot is hilarious - looks just like when I visit my folks!!!!!
Posted by: stacey | December 30, 2008 at 09:27 AM
I love that he doesn't mind the "differently patterned" socks. That's love for you.
Posted by: Liz K. | December 30, 2008 at 09:40 AM
Funny picture of everyone on their laptops. No need to talk at all, just send an e-mail. Your bros fingerless gloves rock and David's socks are awesome. Love that each sock is a different but compatible pattern.
Posted by: Kim | December 30, 2008 at 11:29 AM
That picture of you all with your laptops totally cracks me up...looks like my family!
Posted by: whitney | December 30, 2008 at 09:07 PM
OMG that first pic totally cracked me up! Instead of the TV, now it's the computers!! LOL! Great man gifts there. Glad they were happily received. :)
Posted by: Jessica | December 31, 2008 at 02:10 PM
OMG that is the best pictures. That is funny as hell!
Love the FOs and mits came out really cool.
If I don't talk to you sooner, have a wonderful new year full of love, health and happiness!
Posted by: Sharon | December 31, 2008 at 03:29 PM
Great knits! That totally looks like my family. :) Happy 2009 to you!
Posted by: tiennie | January 11, 2009 at 11:59 PM