Head and shoulders, knees and toes

Or a hat, two neck warmers, nothing for knees (what can you make for knees?) and slippers.

I have been finishing projects over the last few weeks. One big one has been mailed and will remain secret until delivered. But I did finish a “variety pack” of items for friends and loved ones.

What I knit

First, the “head”. And that’s David’s head! This man looks great in a toque, and I have made a few over these last two years. Some live in the ripped project pile, others are being worn, and the latest meets all the standards (I think). It’s a beautiful blue/gray, it’s snug enough, and it’s long enough. Phew. And I love it (and him!):

Now, my two “necks”. The first was for my Tweesta Maggie (you met another Tweesta, Deb, in her Contentment Cowl). Actually, Maggie gets to choose if these are “head” or “shoulder” items. She loves leopard print, and I found a leopard print knitting chart! So I decided on a headband. Version 1 (the orange leopard) turned out well, but a little tiny. The second, more subtle one, should work as a headband OR a neck warmer. Maggie is very flexible.

 

The next two projects (another neck and some toes) were made for my friends, Jocelyn and LeeAnn. I met LeeAnn at the college years ago. We reconnected at Curves and worked out side-by-side for a while. Jocelyn next joined us on the circuit. Then came Susan, a woman who was back exercising after treatment for Breast Cancer. We did some sweating and some serious bonding. When Susan became ill again, we started to meet at Starbucks then at Susan’s (with some restaurant visits, shopping, movies and a weekend in Toronto thrown in). We are the Coffee Girls (or Latte Ladies) and saw each other through Susan’s death and our grief. We have a strong bond.

I knit Jocelyn a lightweight drop stitch cowl in the most beautiful purple.

LeeAnn’s toes are being warmed in her Phentex Slippers (the only pair I’ve made this year). Her Mom makes these, too, and that, actually inspired me at the beginning of all this knitting. I wanted to give a pair to my friend, Heather, a couple of years ago. I was going to ask LeeAnn’s Mom to make me some. Instead, I decided to find the pattern and make my own. I’ve made several pairs now, but these are my favourites so far:

It was fun making all these items. When I knit, I think a lot about the people I’m knitting for. My thought were all good during these projects.

What I read

I started reading Fanny Flagg’s “The All-Girl Filling Station’s Last Reunion”. She sure can tell a story. And mostly about women. This one is the best I’ve read so far.