Heritage in Knitty

My Heritage cowl is in the newly released Winter Knitty! I've been sitting on this pattern for quite some time and have had the cowl finished and tucked away. Now I can actually wear it out and about.

I designed it in Blue Sky Alpacas Suri Merino...sumptuous and warm!

I was inspired by gingham fabric that was manufactured back in the 1800s in the cotton mills in my hometown.

It knits up quickly for some last minute holiday gift giving, perhaps? 

A chunky lace pattern finishes both edges.

Hope you enjoy it and I can't wait to see all the color combinations you come up with!

Nothing but Socks

Well I've been trying to finish up UFOs and projects I intended to start when I bought the yarn in February in Freeport at the NETA Spa Knit and Spin. This means I've been knitting sock after sock for weeks (dare I say months yikes years even?)  For my girls, I found this fantastic tube sock pattern for kids. I love the idea of not having the heel to grow out of. Just hoping that the yarn wears well. They are knit in Schachenmayer Regia Fluromania in Neon Now. I've been knitting these one at a time magic loop style which seems to work the best for me.

I have a second pair on the needles in pink/purple for a last minute holiday gift.

Now for myself, I have this epic pair of extra long socks, modifiying Laura Chau's Delicious Knee Socks . These babies have been in the planning since I splurged on the yarn (years ago for my birthday) at the now closed, but once wonderful, Purl Diva store. The yarn is String Theory's Caper Sock in Avalon and it is divine. Definitely worth the wait!

Handcrafted Memories

I recently came upon a post where the author had found some cherished ornaments she made with her family from 40 years ago. She described the memories that flooded back to her from that day when she was 5. At the end of the post I found myself in tears. It was suddenly so clear...time with each other is really all we have. Now I find myself here (after being absent far too long) trying to put into words the importance I find behind the handmade. As most of us know, there is joy to be found in crafting by hand. Gathering materials, composing and treasuring each object is more than fulfilling. However, I am realizing over these early, fleeting years with my children that it is foremost the memories of the experience that can have a profound affect on our lives.  As I make plans for this busy weekend, the top of the list will be hand making decorations with the girls. The end results do not have to be perfect or symbolic or even blog-worthy. My hope is that one day they may find their ornaments and be flooded with the warmth of our time together. Which memories will you be making this holiday season?