Snow Day!

Finally, Minnesota had its first real snow day of the year - I think we had 7 to 11 inches down here in Apple Valley.  I used my nifty "petite" snow blower 4 times (it is pretty much done in if the snow gets higher than 3"), and my very kind neighbor helped me when the plow came by and threw up a 2-foot berm at the end of the driveway.  His little girls, Eden and Maia, stayed in the car with their mom, but popped out to give me a big hug before they drove away to church.  I made them some Christmas cookies shaped like trees and ornaments and just brought them over.  They were all fresh from their bath, and were watching the movie, Eloise.  The giggle of tiny girls - I don't know if there is a more delightful sound in the whole wide world.

December Knitting Night!

The last official First Thursday Knitters Knitting Night was held this Wednesday at our usual Starbucks; it was great to catch up with everyone, although I couldn't resist ordering a caramel brulee latte which gave me some really interesting dreams!  Kim has been busy knitting for little grandchildren, and made the following two lovely and chic sweaters (which I would like to size up and make for me!)

Kim also finished a really cozy knitted top for herself, which will come in really handy at her cabin this winter!  (She is hiding behind it, but I know she's there...) 

 

Renay completed the first of two great stockings for her new kittens, Loretta and Irene;  I really like those trees, and can picture them around the yoke of a sort of retro ski sweater.

She is also nearly done with this lovely shawl knit out of a Jamiesons' silk and wool blend yarn, I think.  This photo doesn't do the lovely colors justice.  It is all knitted in either seed or linen stitch, I'm not sure, but it was a really long-lasting knitting project, very satisfying for cozy evenings when you don't want to have to concentrate too hard.  (I'm thinking I need to make one during my commute!)

And I helped Eva finish an oh-so-soft reversible Misti Alpaca hat in shades of lilac and lavender tweed; I especially like the pattern because the cuff gives you four cozy layers of alpaca over your ears.  The pattern is from the Morehouse Farms Merino Knits book, one of my favorites. 

Best of all - Eva looks equally adorable no matter what color is on the outside!

Renay kindly snapped a picture of my Andes Tunic Vest, which is incredibly cozy and warm.  And...

(drumroll.....)

I've finished the...

La Paz Scarf and Hat!

Madeline was looking somewhat less than thrilled to model it, however, so I talked Nathan into snapping a shot of me wearing it.

Very cozy - the scarf is one long spiral tube of fair isle so it is two layers thick, of lovely soft wool (I used Elann.com Highland wool which comes in a bazillion colors and is just lovely to work with.)

SO, for those of you who are counting, that leaves just THREE PROJECTS in the KOTOTW marathon - the Great Bear Zip Tunic, Great Plains Blanket Bag, and the long-awaited Lisbon Lace Jacket!  I still have no idea if I'll finish by year-end - a change in the gift tax laws is creating some havoc in my work life as everyone rushes to transfer real estate before year end as part of their estate planning, plus I have at least 2 closings to finish.  So, we'll see.

Still hoping to figure out a way to auction off the finished projects for the benefit of Gilda's Club Twin Cities - if anyone out there has any ideas on how I might reach a broad enough audience that might be willing to purchase some of the KOTOTW knits to benefit this worthwhile charity, I'd love to hear from you!

Bundle up -- BABY it is cold outside!

XOXOXO, Mar.

Comments

[Charlotte]

Could you do an auction on Ebay? Or will the charity be having some kind of function where you could auction off the knitted items as part of the evening?

[Linda Chan]

As always your projects and your knitting group's projects are lovely and inspiring. All I want to do is knit after seeing them.

As for your KOTW projects, you should auction them on eBay, but put them on-line and give the auction some time. If you could recruit Nicky Epstein to promote the auction, she can post it on her Facebook page and then Vogue Knitting may also promote it. I would have the auction up soon, but run it until Vogue Knitting Live in NYC. If Nicky is willing, she can promote it at the lectures and classes she will be giving at Vogue Knitting. Nicky is giving a lecture at Vogue Knitting Live on her Knitting on Top of the World book. While the attendees could probably technically knit the projects, since the proceeds are for a good cause, some may just buy your finished pieces. Since Nicky is so popular anything she posts on Facebook is likely to be shared by some of her followers, which may also bring the auction to the attention of some non-knitters.

Good luck. :)

[Barb]

Hi Mary- I always love reading your newest posting and finding out how the KOTOTW project is coming along. I also love to read about your friends and their wonderful projects.

The suggestions for auctioning your incredible knitting are so exciting. I think it would be so great to see them all together on display somewhere and then to auction them - it does seem like there is so much potential and so many great ideas. And Gilda's Club is such a great idea to help benefit them!!

One question - do you have an absolute favorite from this project that you just have to keep? They all look so amazing - I think that would be a really hard decision.

Thanks, Mary, for sharing this adventure with us. You are so talented and so generous!!!

[Liz in Ypsilanti]

I have been following you (mostly as a lurker) since the beginning. I am so very proud of you for sticking with this and coming within shouting distance of getting it done. You have done an amazing amount of complicated knitting in a very short time. Congratulations to you for having the finishing line in sight.

[Cynthia]

The La Paz Hat and Scarf would be really awesome in the nice cold snowy weather! We don't have any snow in my part of Idaho yet. All of the knitting is awesome!
I think auctioning off your beautiful items is quite fabulous! But I think you should keep an item or two. I always enjoy reading your blogs!

[Barb]

Hi Mary-

Before another minute slips by, I want to wish you, your family and friends a wonderful, happy and joyous Merry Christmas!

Peace and blessings to all!