My friend reminded me that today is the Winter Solstice. Christmas really snuck up on me this year but I think I’m ready. We have simplified again this year. No real tree, we have a small-ish tree that I had to find new lights for but it’s lit and it’s fun to see in the living room. I also set up my Department 56 village for the first time in a long time and it’s a really fun, festive decoration. I did get out and buy some Poinsettias for the dining room table and one for my atelier. I also forced a few paperwhite narcissus and an amaryllis. They’re blooming now and two of my orchids are pushing out bud spikes, It looks like we will have orchids blooming again in the New Year. I’ve got to keep the humidifiers running if they’re all going to live for a long time.

I’ve finished all of my holiday knitting except for my hubby’s Christmas socks. He’s gotten yarn in his stocking before and I will be able to knit them out in the open once he knows.

FO first! This is the Jamberry Cardigan by Birchtree Knits. I knitted a size 4 in Berroco Vintage DK. I like the Vintage product for its washability. My daughter has asked for sweaters that she can wash and dry. Sylvie has been living in her other purple cardigan (at least the last time I heard) partly because she can put it on all by herself and she can button it up by herself, too. I hope she likes this one, too. It looks huge but she’s growing up so quickly!

Today I ran to town to get some last minute goodies for stockings. When I got home, it was time to get cooking. The kids all want my granola so I made a double batch and will divide it three ways. I also made two quiches (one sausage and one veggie) with shredded potato crust like the ones I made for Thanksgiving that were a big hit. Earlier in the week I made two different kinds of cinnamon rolls – one with nuts and one without – for my Friday morning knitting class’ holiday celebration. They were delicious (and I did make cream cheese frosting for them, too.) I made chili for dinner one night this week, too. I don’t cook much these days, my hubby cooks more than me, but it was good! I just wish I’d made corn bread to go with it. Next time.

I’ve been knitting every day. On my needles, I have a Stockholm Slipover in stashed yarn. I am really happy with the way it’s knitting up and I am almost down to the ribbing which means there is a bit of stockinette and some ribbing at the bottom, around the sleeves and neck and then I can wear it. I’ve also cast on a Musselburgh hat in a pink HuMade yarn that I got a Knitty City when I was in the city a while ago. I’m holding it with a strand of Berroco Aerial mohair/silk. I think I’m near the end of the increases and ready to hit the round and round of stockinette stitch.

I cast on the Broadgate Tabbard. I may set it aside for a bit though because it’s really a spring and supper project; I’m knitting mine in a stunning green linen that I bought after I saw it on Ravelry or Social Media. I’ve never worn a lot of green but this one just got stuck in my head and I had to buy it. I think I may knit an afghan for my brother instead. And a hood for his wife. They’re both very deserving and never ask for anything. I have green yarn for his blanket and a neutral deep beige/brown for the hood. Hmm. Maybe the hood will be my next cast on. I also want to finish the Noah the Horse that I have mostly made. And some pink mittens that need to be embroidered. I won’t go down that rabbit hole again. That kind of embroidery on knitwear isn’t my bag, But I do want to finish the project.

I have SO many projects that I want to make. And so much yarn that I have bought in anticipation of the projects. Ha! Ha!

Gone knitting.