New Year begins with a Pop!

It's been too long since I posted so I have a little catching up to do. First I must show you the terrific knitting related items I received for Christmas.


The yarn is from the hubby, Troy, and is Fleece Artist Merino sock yarn. I love the colors! I also received the Victorian Lace Today book from him as well (I hinted really hard for this one and he came through). This book is even better than Grumperina's review stated, if that's possible. This is a must have book for every knitter. The Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook is from my friend Line and has everything you ever needed to know about dying, spinning and than sock making. It's fabulous and just in time since I'm planning to attend the Drop Spindle class at London-Wul this month. Thanks to everyone for some fabulous presents. I think I must have been a good girl this year.

Also, here are the last pair of Christmas socks that were finished on December 27.

Diagonal Rib Socks
Essential Tweed in Flint from KnitPicks.com
2.25mm Crystal Palace set of 5 double pointed needles
80sts, 8x2 rib
Started: Dec 20; Finished: Dec 27, 2006

I'm ready for the Knit A Long at London-Wul to begin! The KAL is to make an Einstein coat from Sally Melville's book 1: The Knit Stitch but I've chosen to make the Fleece Artist Garter Stitch coat, which oddly enough is knit in stocking stitch.

Here is the kit:


After some fun ball winding





I was ready to prepare a swatch (no really, I swatched!)


And here is the swatch to prove it:


The colors are darker than the pictures and are blending really well together. I hope my Mom likes it. The KAL starts next Sunday, January 7. I'm waiting until then to cast on the sweater, but I'm ready and raring to go.

I hope every had a wonderful New Year's Eve! Ours was quiet and intimate. We had a fondue party with my parents and champagne and sparklers at midnight. This year everything is going to fall into step with everything else. The champagne bottle 'popped' by itself as the count down bellowed out "3, 2, 1" then POP the top of the champagne bottle flew off even though it was sitting on the counter with no one near it. If that's not some sort of sign, I'll eat the cork. I'm looking forward to a fun and busy 2007!

To commemorate 2006, here is a photo gallery of most (but not all) of my 2006 finished projects:
2006 Finished Projects