Please excuse the radio silence

It was a little bit frenzied near the end of the Christmas Crunch there. I ended up staying up 'till about 5 am on Christmas Eve (really Christmas, but I'm counting from when I went to sleep) to finish everything. (BTW- it seems like everyone liked their gifts. This does not bode well for future Christmas Crunches, since their approval means I'll be just as likely to go to such lengths again. I feel a little ashamed that I'm so easily bought. But, eh, what're you gonna do? [I'll tell you what: Not much. You're probably enjoying seeing me go to such lengths. I'd claim knitters were sadists if they weren't the nicest people I've ever met.])

Therefore blogging was not at the forefront of my mind.

Unfortunately, I'll still be a bit remiss with the postings. I'm going to California tomorrow (you should see my bedroom. I'm normally a tidy person, but all the things I'll need are in indiscreet piles all over the place.), and I generally don't do much internet surfing while on vacation. Look for me after January 5th.

What's on the needles:

Vacation knitting - my 'beach' socks. I'm trying out helical striping (I love it) on a pair of socks for myself, in sand and teal colors. I'm going to try and finish them in Cali.

When I get back, I need to order needles for my older brother's birthday present (shh. He wants it to be a surprise. We'll see how long it lasts. I might just spontaneously explode from the effort.), then I'll be raring to go. I'm very excited, because it'll be the first time I'll be working with bamboo needles. I've heard good things.

[On a side note: why are KnitPicks metal needles nickle-plated? I'm allergic to nickel, and I know many people are. The last thing I want when I'm knitting are burn-y hands. You have to think it's not a good business decision to potentially alienate part of your customer base. ]

I also have some fixing to do on a pair of mittens I gifted. The pattern called for them to be knit flat, then seamed up. I did one accordingly, but the second I did in the round (I also didn't size down a needle for the ribbing like it said in the pattern). The second one was quicker and more fun, not to mention it actually fit. I think I need to find a better basic mitten pattern, or leave a note in ink to myself to knit all future mittens from that pattern in the round. Anyway, the recipient is anxious for the first mitten to be reknit, since he likes the second so much. I shall oblige.

Bye, and I'll see you after my fun-filled week in Cali. 

(Have I mentioned what I'm looking forward to most in California? Going outside. I live in Colorado, so this week of not having to wear three pairs of socks will be quite the treat.)