Sunday, December 30, 2012

A few more good things

Before the year ends, a few more good things to reflect on.

1.  Doggies.  One of the best things about this holiday week is more time hanging out with Bailey and Puddles.  Last week, it was pouring rain while we were in Folsom visiting my brother.  Guess who was sooooo happy to not only have a big backyard but to hang out in the rain?!!

verywetdog

Puddles.  Why, yes, when you name a dog Puddles, this may happen?!  Don't worry, we didn't let her stay out there too long, despite her scratching at the door to get back out once we brought her inside.  Crazy dog!

sleepybailey

And while it rained outside, Bailey just slept.  My kind of dog :)

2. Rewatching Downton Abbey to prepare for Jan. 6!  Can't wait! No spoilers please :)

3. Some end of the year baking.  Stocking up Pa's freezer for him, since the healthy eating commences on January 1.  I won't be baking too much for awhile...but cooking yummy, healthy food there will be lots of!  Any help with the healthy recipe department, preferably low carb would be appreciated :)

scones

A new scone recipe.  Pretty good, not sure I'd make it again....I love my easy cream scone recipe.

4. Football watching by the fire and knitting.  Though I'll admit, my knitting mojo has escaped me the past week or so.  This slouchy hat version of my blackberry brambles hat is slow going, not sure why.

blackberrybrambles.slouchyversion

5. New knitting with pretty yarn.

IMG_9705

My next design will feature this lovely skein of Shine from Knitted Wit.  Beware, clicking that link brings up a whole bunch of gorgeous!!!  I can't wait to cast on!  Just need to finish that hat first.

6. New designs.  I have to say I still get excited every time someone buys and then KNITS one of my designs.  I'm so glad that many of you like the Cotty Fingerless Gloves.  Thank you!!  I promised to share a bit more about them, so here goes.

Cotty 16



Notes: Instructions are written for fingerless gloves that are worked in the round.  Pattern is written for either fingering or worsted weight yarn, with two different lengths.  Charts are provided on the last page.

Cotty 2

Shown here in The Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted, which is a dream to knit with!  And knit up quite fast for these.

Cotty 6

And those picots....you know I love them!  I'm a bit partial to this Socks that Rock colorway, My Wild Irishgirlie.

Suggested Yarns:  ~115 (135) yards for heavy fingering weight version such as Blue Moon Fiber Arts Socks that Rocks mediumweight, Anzula Squishy, Hazel Knits Artisan Sock
~165 (185) yards for worsted weight version such as Plucky Knitter Primo Worsted, Sunshine Yarns Merino Worsted,  Madelinetosh Tosh Vintage

Materials:
Size US 2 ½ (3.0mm) or size to obtain gauge either DPNs or circular needles for fingering weight
Size US 6 (4.0mm) or size to obtain gauge either DPNs or circular needles for worsted weight

Gauge: 28 sts and 44 rows = 4” over st st for fingering weight version
 22 sts and 32 rows = 4” over st st  for worsted weight version
           
Size:
one size fits most adults                                      

Finished measurements:  3 ½” wide, unstretched and either 9" or 10 1/2" long                                                                                    
Cotty 8

Cotty 14

And they go well with tea.  I couldn't resist.  I'm hooked on DavidsTea

I've decided to offer the Cotty Fingerless Gloves on special for $4.00 through January 7, 2013.      

7. The final yarn purchase of 2012.  I splurged on this Cashmere Silk Lace yarn from Sunshine Yarns.  Goodness, it is heavenly!  

IMG_9708

Dani's yarns are always more stunning in person....she's having an update on New Year's Day.  I won't be looking, but you know, you might want to.  I figured I could indulge in the lace skeins because I know exactly how many skeins of lace weight yarn I own.  Under 10 skeins.  Now if only I could get the sock yarn under control.

8. A Happy New Year Sale!  January is time for selfish knitting, right?!  Treat yourself to a new Irish Girlie Knits pattern.  I am so very grateful for each and every one of you and truly appreciate all the support as I continue designing!  From now through January 7, 2013, receive 20% off any individual Irish Girlie Knits Designs pattern (excluding Cotty Fingerless Gloves which are already on sale) and the Merrily Collection (excludes other Collections). No coupon needed. 

Any more good things on your end?  Special plans for New Year's Eve? Do tell.

Happy almost New Year!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

1 comment:

Renee Anne said...

New Years' came and went without a lot of excitement. Someone small in my life decided that he did not, under any circumstances, want to participate in Camp Carnival on the cruise so that mucked up some plans. Oh well. We still had some fun :)

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