Paper Starfish

I bought these

for Imogen. Isn't it yummy?

And as if we need a reason to love Interweave Knits.... I have to tell a story. I called their 800 number to see about buying the pattern for Mosaic Mitts. The pattern was published in a magazine last year but that issue is no longer available. They charged me $4 and put the pattern in the mail. I never got it. I called back yesterday and she said I should have received it by now so she will resend it BUT would I mind of she sends the whole magazine instead of just the one pattern? Would I mind? Hell, no! So I have the Holiday Gifts 2006 issue coming my way!

Well, Thuja went so well that I thought I'd start a real sock. You know, the kind on teeny needles. Jaywalker from Magknits seemed like a popular choice so I cast on. It's not hard but jeez, the needles are small. And I knit to tight that I'm able to use 2s. It amazes me that people are on 0s. I'm afraid I'm going to break one of these toothpicks needles!

The yarn is Regia Design Line by Kaffe Fassett. Very nice. I got it over Thanksgiving break when I visited The Stitching Bee in Chatham, NJ.

I also finished a Kim's Hat from Last-Minute Knitted Gifts for Scooter's asst teacher. Worked up so fast and looks good in Manos.

I'm eager to start Imogen but am kind of peeved about there not being a schematic included in the pattern. Apparently, I'm not the only one who feels this way because I've seen several people on Ravelry comment on the same thing. I'm not a "visual" person and the construction of Imogen is different so it would be helpful to have a schematic to look at. Oh well, I'll probably cast on soon!

We have some progress on the Jaywalker!

It's not the fastest thing I've ever knit but I have some other projects going! I like how it's turning out. I love the yarn. I think I'm going to be an I-love-to-have-and-wear-knitted-socks-but-don't-love-knitting-them type person. The pattern is easy to memorize and I had no problem knitting on it at our monthly Ravelry meet-up yesterday.

I have also started a Rainbow Marley baby hat from Itty Bitty Hats. We're having a little bit of a baby explosion around us and I'll need it as a little gift for someone!

It's being knit in leftover Tahki Cotton Classic. Fast, easy knit but the curlicues on top will be a showstopper, I think!

I have a few knitting gripes this holiday season!

#1: Patterns without any schematics or measurements. Imogen I am talking about you on this one. Gorgeous jacket, great side to side construction but come on. I am not a visual person and need something to go on here.

#2: Bleeding yarn. JJ's Specialty Montage 10 ply, I'm looking at you here. I love the dark colors in your Paua colorway and I think you're going to turn into a great Imogen but in the meantime my hands and Denise needle tips turn color every time I pick you up. A wool bath soak is in your future.

A picture of JJ's turning into Imogen. This is a vast wasteland of stockinette stitch that is the back of the jacket

If I sound like Debbie Downer (do you know that SNL skit?), I'm really not. I think I'm going to love Imogen but she's certainly not coming along as easily as I think she should.

On a happier note, how about a baby hat. Who can stay mad at a baby hat? I give you the Rainbow Marley from Itty Bitty Hats worked in leftovers of Tahki Cotton Classic:

Remember that Diane Keaton movie where she "inherits" a baby? Anyway, I'm in the middle of one it seems. A baby boom, that is. Three babies are due this winter/spring in my immediate circle. One is due in February and two in May. Two of them also happen to be girls so I get to knit teeny ruffly, lacy things!

I got this:

which will be turned into a Baby Yoda Sweater. I've seen such cute ones on Ravelry. We don't know if Baby Helm is a boy or girl, so the light celery green color will be nice either way.

I'm also thinking about a Presto Chango in a sweet girly color for Baby Mutone.

Yay for girly knits!

It's actually starting to look like something!

Despite the lack of schematics/measurements (see my earlier gripe) it is coming along and fitting well. I modified some by not decreasing the sleeves as much or as regularly. I also picked up more stitches than required along the collar but so far, so good!

Also wanted to show off the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino that Mr. Starfish gave me for Christmas. It's a gorgeous chocolatey brown. I'm guessing it wants to be a Karaoke Cable Scarf. What do you think?