Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Razors and Wrists

Okay, an FO. This one is a present for my belly dance instructor, who, as we saw last week, apparently wanted some badly.



Yes, I'm wearing them, even as I write this post. Shut up.

These were fun - a quick knit on size 3mm needles. I think they were only about 4 or 5 hours altogether. However, honesty compels me to admit that I knitted one and a half of these in the spring, put them in a drawer all summer, and only resurrected them on Monday. I don't know why I waited to long to finish them - it only took about an hour. (Which is good news since I will no doubt have to make another pair, because I am growing hourly more attached to them.)

The lace pattern isn't very visible in the picture, but I think it's just open enough to look lacy, and closed enough to be warm. The pattern is a standard lace pattern called "Razor Eyelet", this version taken from Knitting on the Edge, and is easily memorized. The repeat is only two rows, with even numbered rows in stockinette, so it's awfully fast.

Pattern: Razor eyelet, from Nicky Epstein's Knitting on the Edge
Yarn: Garnstudio Drops 100% alpaca fingering weight
Needles: 3mm Clover Takumi Bamboo dpns
Tension: tension - what's tension? I can't ever measure it accurately over a lace pattern, so I'm not going to try. Probably about 6 sts/inch in stockinette.
Mods: none, except to knit it in the round instead of flat.
Cast on: April 2006.
Cast off: December 11, 2006

And, a note on St Brigid: I have cast off the back (Oh, Hooray For Me!!) and will soon start the front. I have a habit - whether good or bad I'm not sure - of trying on my knitting. A lot. I think this might slow me down in some respects (for example when I have to spend 15 minutes slipping half St Brigid onto another, smaller needle, then stepping gingerly into it and cautiously pulling it up into place, so I can turn and admire my half-sweatered body), but it also keeps me motivated. I've tried on St Brigid several times, and I am LOVING it so far. If I can avoid getting distracted, I think I will have the front done by this weekend, and then it's sleeveland for me.

But, Christmas approaches (see the counter? See it?) and I have other things to think about. Behold, my decked halls.



This garland was my Boxing Day purchase from Canadian Tire last year - 60% off. I got a couple of these - they have little mistletoe, apples, pinecones and assorted silver leaves, with some cedar twigs. All fake, but entirely charming. I like it as a wintry coronet on my dining room light.

And I'm well aware that two of those bulbs need replacing. But I feel it's a mistake to try to make your house clean and perfect before decorating. It'll never get done that way.

And, the fireplace wall. I did consider retaking this shot without the blurriness, but I thought it looked nice so I left it as is.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, oh, oh! I love, love, love the apple garland on the chandelier. It looks like A Midsummer Night's Dream. Beautiful and dreamy! Well done.

Ames said...

I'm liking the look of wristers more and more. Might have to go there. Awesome decorations. I'm afraid I fall it the pitiful sector of society who likes white Christmas lights. Furthermore, I fear there is no hope for recovery.