Since I finished the Mashad socks (pattern by Hunter Hammersen) last summer and wore them in August in Texas on my feet inside shoes during a record draught when it was a billion degrees outside, I know they are rather warm. So, when it was time to pack socks for Colorado, they were the first pair that came to mind.

This pair of socks had a little bit of a rough start, but once I found a yarn I was happy with (Barking Dogs Achilles in Teal Mist), they were completely charming. So, pick out some pretty semi-solid yarn and knit up a pair. I think you’ll be smitten!

Ps. Hunter’s latest book is coming out, so don’t forget to pre-order….otherwise, when I start knitting the socks from the new book, you’ll be pea green with envy!

While planning my trip to Vogue Knitting in January, I decided that I needed to wear something I’d knit other than socks. So, I pulled out some Kamelsoft yarn that I’d purchased on sale and looked at patterns on ravelry til I found one that met my requirements:

• popular (over 100 projects)
• includes cables
• fingerless

For a couple of years, I’d planned to make myself fingerless mitts prior to my next NYC trip. I love that I waited until days before I flew out to Cast On. I finished these in 3 days and for once in my life, that included weaving in the ends. The mitts were completed and I’ve enjoyed wearing them in NYC, Colorado and to hockey games.

If you fancy a pair for yourself, Trenza Mitts by Susanna IC is a free pattern on ravelry. Enjoy!

Turtle and HH (her husband) came over with their dog Penny. She and Syd got along great. I hadn’t seen Penny since the fall and Turtle told me, “She’s gotten huge.” Observe.
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It was great to see Turtle, HH, and Miss Penny AND the Stars won the hockey game that the humans attended. The funniest moment came while I was putting Syd in her crate in the laundry room. I heard, “Bogey incoming!” from TH just as Penny came running around the corner, ears flapping! She’s a cutie!
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