A fresh start.

Image by Mike Monteiro

December was pretty eventful, in a weird sort of way.  I was sick most of the month with two different monster colds, we had family visiting, and I didn’t get nearly as much gift-making done as I wanted to.

Overall though, it was nice.  I’m really grateful that I didn’t have to use much of my paid time off to be sick, at least!

I’m still finishing up a hat for a friend.  I had a few stops and starts with other cable hat patterns, but I decided to go with a pattern I know and love, and not give myself a headache.  It’s The Anti-Craft’s Glaistig, which is very easy, and somewhat monotonous, but very elegant when finished.  I’ve made it twice before, and I think it’s a great unisex hat pattern.  Honestly it seemed a good challenge the times I made it before I started my descent into the depravity of lace knitting.  Now I’m spoiled.

But!  I found a great lace beret pattern which was really super fun, and which I’ll make lots of, I’m sure.  It’s Meret by Wooly Wormhead.  (Ravelry page)  There are lots of variations, and since I used a sportweight alpaca yarn, I made a size larger and one level floppier to get a fairly conservative size for Wendy’s classic style.  I love how she’s paired her hat with a gray cabled sweater in this picture!

If I make it for myself, I think I may go full-on floppy and try to get the same soft drape with whatever yarn I choose.  I have a purple cashmere/merino blend that, although it’s sock weight, may indeed be calling out to be made into a fine-gauge Meret.

Other projects on the horizon:  the Mermaid Kimono ensemble, continuing modifications to the Steampunk ensemble (this year with hot-weather concessions and new headgear), the completion of the Hemlock Ring blanket, and many more.

Also, today is Kasper’s birthday!  He’s 2 today!  This is probably what he’s doing right now:

It's a tough life on the couch.