'Twas the night before Christmas...once agin

Reposted from 12/24/06

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all though the house,
The sound of my needles clicking was noticed only by a mouse.

The hand knit stocking were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that no one would see the grafting mistakes there.
The nephews where all snuggled in bed,
While thoughts of snowman sweaters danced in their heads.
While mom in her cable cardigan, and I in my fingerless mittens,
Had just settled in for a long for a long nights knittin’
When out on the lawn there arouse such a clatter,
I sprang from the purl row to see what was the matter.

Away the window I flew like a flash?
(Just one more row perhaps?)
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash,
After a few dropped stitches and decreases that match.
The moon, on the breast of the new fallen snow,
Was like lace out of mohair on my lap below.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear?
But a set of Denise needles and another knitter so near.
I knew in a moment that it must be the knitting fairy
To help with the holiday stitching, so I could be merry.

“Now purl one row, then knit two more!
Don’t forget to YO at the end of each row!”
To the top of the hat and matching mittens, does that look too small?
Too late now; knit away, knit away all!”

She spoke not a word, but when straight to her work,
And knit all the yarn that lurked.
Weaving in the ends as she goes,
She knit in a flash, taking with her all of my woes.
Her well-worked fingers gave a signal of approval
As she took her leave with her needles
I heard her exclaim:
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all good knittin’”

Embossed Leaves and a hat

I finally finished my Embossed Leaves Socks. It only took me a week to knit them and about a month and a half to weave in the ends. But they are really pretty. The yarn was a gift from Avocado Fever. I believe she bought it at Maryland Sheep and Wool. The pattern (as I am sure you know), is from Interweave Winter 2005 and republished in 25 Favorite Socks. These really are some of my favorite socks.



When I was in college I had a professor who explained that flowers and leaves that are pointing down make people depressed. So by making them toe up, the leaves "grow" up, instead of down.



I have 3 pair of handknit socks. They are all green. I think it is time for a new color. And you guys think I only knit in pink.

I also finished a hat for the store.



It's my own pattern, which will eventually be a free pattern with yarn purchase. I made it with Torino Bulky, Dune and Lace Mohair (6 strands held together). One ball of each will do the trick.

I also have been busy with Christmas knitting, but I think I need to wait till the 26th to post those photos. I still have things that I need to cast on for. I guess I better start soon…