Zipper Schmipper

I just finished putting the zipper into Eris. It is officially, 100% done. I'm not absolutely sure I love the cardigan, but I enjoyed knitting it. I'm afraid I look a little dumpy. Maybe it's the color. Maybe it's because I have this delusion that my torso is longer than most people's so I added approximately 3 extra inches to the length - That may have been a mistake. For those interested in technical details: I made size E which gave me a generous amount of ease (3 or so inches). I used KnitPicks Merino Style in Nutmeg. It took around 13 skeins (that's with the added torso length). Bottomline cost: $6 for the pattern, $30 for the yarn, and $5ish for the zipper. The pattern from GirlFromAuntie.com was so well written that I never felt lost and I am no longer fearful of the beautiful Rogue.

Ah, the final countdown...Am I referring to the cheesy 80's song? Not this time. No, I am referring to the end of the line for all those knitting projects that aspire to become holiday presents in 2005. I am officially finished. The list was trimmed slightly towards the end, but overall I was successful. The big top secret project was finished with a marathon knitting session on Sunday. I did end up having to knit in front of M, but he is not 100% sure what I was doing, so I will wait until after the holidays to post a pic. As for the 80,000,003 scarves I made, they are all either wrapped, drying, or not going to happen:)

I realized this week that I never took a photo of my ruffled scarf that I finished during Turkey time. (The pattern name is Ruffle Scarf (050). I love this scarf so much and wear it pretty much everyday. The alpaca sure keeps me warm. I've made 1 fingerless mitt to go with it, but I need to order a little more yarn to complete the pair.

So, I'm going to take a couple week hiatus from blogging, but I will return shortly after the holidays - with pictures of finished socks and a few other projects I will be knitting during the next couple weeks.

To wrap up my wonderful experience with Secret Pal Six I wanted to let you all know who has been spoiling me for the past few months. It was Elizabeth at www.elabeth.blogspot.com She did a fantastic job and I feel truly and happily pampered. I encourage everyone to check out her blog and say hello! (if you want to do the next secret pal, go to www.secretpalseven.blogspot.com -- the sign-up deadline is soon, so, if you're interested, don't dawdle).

And a final note....5 months non-smoking!

Happy Holidays to everyone and I'll see you in 2006!