The 2021 Indie Gift-A-Long is in the home stretch! I’d say it was winding down, if it weren’t for the fact that things are actually moving faster. The deadline approacheth…
Then there’s the matter of this yarn—Autumn and Indigo Classic Worsted. I bought seconds and really have now idea why they were listed as such; the skeins were in great condition and the dye job was lovely and even. The yarn itself feels a bit more rustic and airy than a typical workhorse merino, and I’d be tempted to call it DK rather than worsted. It blooms beautifully after washing and becomes incredibly supple with great stitch definition. I’ll be coming back to it for sure.
Anyone who’s done even one GAL knows that GALers love gnomes. Specifically, gnomes by Sarah Schira (Ravelry link), who, and I’m being totally serious here, has a cult following of people who love gnomes. Now, anyone who knows me well knows that I don’t do bandwagons, trends, or cult followings of any kind. Period. So even though Sarah’s gnomes are crazy, crazy cute, I never made one; call me contrary, but it’s true. But then I won one of Sarah’s patterns in a GAL game this year, and it would be a shameful waste of a pattern if I didn’t make one. So I did.
Guess what? I love how it came out! Playing the different textures and yarns in one project was a blast; Sarah is a detail-oriented pattern writer and it shows. And it’s hard to see in the photos, but the beard is sparkly! I used a teensy bit of SweetGeorgia Cashluxe Spark left over from other projects; it shimmers like you wouldn’t believe!
So while I’m far from becoming a gnome fanatic, I must say I’m pretty chuffed with this foray into new territory. My youngest brother was awfully interested in this little guy before I mailed him off, so maybe he’ll get one for his birthday? Who can tell?
As far as works in progress, Traditions by Katie Noseworthy is coming along nicely (Ravelry link). This photo is from yesterday, just after I’d cast on the second mitten, which is now halfway done—thanks in part to a movie night with my brother. We’re trying to take advantage of his winter break by watching as many movies as we can while staying up incredibly late. Last night we watched five episodes of The Mandalorian. I kid thee not. But hey, the mittens are almost finished.
And last but not least, I’ve finally made some progress on my Callisto shawl (Ravelry link). I’ve tweaked the pattern slightly to make it a bit smaller, and at the rate it’s going, I think it should be just about the perfect size when it’s done. I’m hoping to get done by the end of the GAL, but we’ll see.
It’s hard to believe this is my last post before the end of the year! I’ll be back in the New Year with the final GAL report!
