Not a lot happening the last week except lots of work and lots of driving to & from work.

I don’t really talk about my job on this blog — it’s not that interesting things don’t happen at work, it’s just I don’t want to risk any breach of client/patient confidentiality issues. And I want this blog to be about the other stuff in my life. However, when I do work a lot, obviously I have less time for all the other things. Like knitting.

*(What I do: I’m a small animal (dogs & cats) relief veterinarian/ locum tenens. I fill in at clinics as needed. It means I am available to work only when I want to work, but it doesn’t guarantee I do work when I want. Ideally I’d work four weekdays per week and take vacation when Dave is on break from school (he’s a high school physics teacher). Of course it never happens just like that.)

Anyhow, I’ve been trying to finish the second Lizzy sock this past week.  I’ve finished one of the Double Diamond Socks and about 20% of the Sakura sock (the latter for the Aug/Sept Fiberphile KAL).   After I finish the Lizzy socks I’ll either do the second Rivendell or Double Diamond.

Double Diamond — detail of mods

Last week I finished a hat for my mom for her birthday (super quick knit, cute pattern, will probably do again in different colors (good for stashbusting)).

Hawkeye Hat
Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Worsted Cotton (in Espresso)
Size 3 (yes, really) Knit Picks metal circs, magic loop

Sweater-wise, I still need to finish St Brigid and Mollusca….but have you seen the new book Made In Brooklyn from Jared Flood?  Love, love, love both Seneca and Stilwell.  Cute hats, mitts and scarves/stoles too.

And the new Twist Collective — yum!  Especially the Vine Yoke Cardi and Cottage Garden.  I love the picot edge detailing on the latter.  There are also some really cute hats (especially Piper and M’gonigle) and  and some lovely gloves (Rococo).

If I had to pick a favorite knitting magazine, based on current content/patterns, I’d have to say Twist Collective.  The patterns are beautiful and often clever, the styling & photography gorgeous, articles interesting (love the Zimmerman sweater reconstruction article, for example).  I also like the small touches – like the comments & blog links from the designers & contributors as you mouse over their pics.

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Has anyone been thinking of Christmas (or winter holiday of your choice) presents yet?  Chime in at the poll on the right.  I’m thinking socks for Mom (she hardly ever reads the blog), similar things for other family members, as extras maybe small sock or other ornaments with the sock yarn remainders I’m accumulating.  I have cotton and chenille for face clothes to pair with handmade soaps.  Dave also needs a new hat.

What type of projects do you knit for presents?  I’ve learned that something quick & simple can be just as valued as something more time intensive and intricate, especially by non-knitters.  I try to focus on projects that I can do somewhat quickly (socks, hats, mittens, simple sweaters).