Another One Bites the Dust

Since I'm pretty sure this particular co-worker doesn't read my blog, I've decided to go ahead and post a picture of her completed present. I just finished my second Elizabeth Zimmermann "Baby Surprise Jacket." This one moved along quickly and was certainly easier to knit since I understood how it all worked up front. I was also smarter and I used stitch markers to indicate the increases and decreases and so they were a lot easier to keep track of. I really like the way EZ gives her patterns with just some basic instructions and then makes you figure out the rest. I find that my brain seems to work in a similar manner in that I can follow her instructions by instinct. I certainly don't have her skill with putting these things together though. Her ability to manipulate the knitted fabric in three dimensions in her mind and come up with something like the BSJ is truly astounding.

I've also decided my niece's mom probably doesn't read my blog either and so I'm posting Eva's holiday present, so far. Momma asked for a hat with earflaps and so that is what she's getting. I have this great Bollicine Revolution yarn that I got on clearance from Web's for my birthday that is 100% wool but it feels like fleece. The knitted fabric is great. It's soft, smooshy and seems like it will be really warm. I just used the Yarn Harlot's basic hat formula and made it sized to fit a one year old (wow, does time fly). Momma also asked for mittens so those are next. I've been doing a lot of research on hats and I have a bunch of others I want to try out so I see Eva getting a pretty fair collection of hats over time. I'm intrigued by EZs Bonnet from the Opinionated Knitter and also the Maltese Fisherman's Hat for The Knitter's Almanac (which I have). These both have earflaps too and EZs fun geometry. Hmmm, what yarn do I have that I could get these started right now?

I've also started working on some Coffee Cozies for stocking stuffers. I've been using a bunch of leftover pieces of wools and novelty yarns and just having fun with different combinations. These knit up quickly and they are pretty darn satisfying. The hard part is finishing the one I'm on because I'm usually staring at the container of yarn and imagining the next yarn/color combination. I expect to get a bunch of these done over the next couple of weeks.
Lastly, a gratuitous photo of the socks I knit for S, modeled with a pair of mocs she made for herself. Very nice pair, if I say so myself. And don't forget, you can get your own pair of mocs in our store at BuckarooLeather.etsy.com.Beyond all of that, just knitting other gifts and dreaming about the next project for myself. I'm thinking about starting a shawl or wrap as my holiday present to myself and I'm looking for the right pattern and yarn. I'm open for suggestions...