2008 is Over!

Today is the last day of 2008. Christmas has come and gone; the tree is down. This Christmas was different than years past, not necessarily in a bad way, just different. We had a great time with all of the family we saw; we talked to others and missed the ones we didn't get to talk to. But, isn't that the way the holidays always are? Families are busy, and lives are scattered all over the country.

When we think about the distance between us and our loved ones, we have to admit that we are so blessed in this time in history to have our world so accessible because of technology. Because of cell phones with nationwide service, text messaging, computers, and email we can easily stay in touch with the people we love whether they are across town or across the country or the world. As a mom and grandmom, I love it! I can't wait to see what the next step is. http://twit.tv/ is a great place to get the latest information.

So while technology is great for staying in touch, when it comes to knitting, I still prefer hand knitting, as opposed to machine knitting, to relax. This year I didn't do all of the hectic, fast paced knitting for Christmas as in years past. I have to say that I missed it somewhat. But I did manage to knit a few things. For one, I finished my monkey socks!

These are some of the easiest socks I've knitted, and I love the pattern. I'm sure I will make a second pair.

I also finished a couple of hats. To go with the blue Gretel I made a cowl called the Ridged Lace Cowl by Elinor Brown. It can be found on her website at http://exercisebeforeknitting.com/ Here is my grandson modeling his mom's Christmas present for me! The other hats that I knit were a little easier on my hands but just as fun to knit. They included the Wooly Wormhead Meret (Mystery Beret) (http://www.woollywormhead.com/) and the One Day Beret by Kirsten Kapur. I talked about this one, I think on my last post, but since then I have knit at least 3 of these and have given away all but one. The pattern can be found at Kirsten's website, ThroughtheLoops.

http://throughtheloops.typepad.com/through_the_loops/2008/01/beret-recipe.html

Tomorrow is a new day, a new month, and a new year. We don't know what 2009 will bring to our nation or even our individual families, but I'm pretty sure my days will include casting on and knitting. So, I look forward to it!

Until next time...

b