OK, not so much a terribly interesting title or topic, but now that I've given these gifts to their intended recipient I can post about them! These pieces are based on this pattern. I made the hat first and then decided to make the scarf to go wth it; so I fiddled with the pattern until the scarf looked right. This was the first time I made something that wasn't a line-by-line pattern, so perhaps my knitted-garment-designing days are just beginning? ;-)

Scarf & Hat

Scarf Detail

This was also the first time I did any blocking of a finished knitted piece and now I'm regretting NOT doing it with other things I've made, because this scarf now lays so beautifully flat and shows off the 'lace' pattern so nicely. Live and learn, right?

I'm not usually a hat or scarf knitter because I find them dull projects, on the whole, but I've made a couple scarves and hats in the last two month for gifts, and I've really enjoyed these relatively easy projects. I've been experimenting with different yarns, including novelty-type yarns like GGH's Intension, as well as Debbie Bliss's Cashmerino Astrakhan, and some bulky wool whose name I can't recall at the moment. Scarves are pretty forgiving, since they don't need to "fit," so I've enjoyed fiddling with some new yarns that I wouldn't ordinarily use. Will post photos of these projects after they're given away at Christmas.

And once the holiday season is behind us, I think I'm going to try my hand at sock knitting, since I've never knitted a pair of socks before. And, as I mentioned earlier, I'm going to knit another sweater and try making a felted purse or handbag, I think. I'm sure I can find a worthy recipient or two. :)