A hat and some gloves

I've been feeling a little under the weather the last two weeks. I got the cold that it seems like everyone in San Diego has, and everything's starting to bloom here again, which means I've also been struggling with my yearly onslaught of allergies. What that means for my knitting life is that I've been forced to stay home a lot, and have been getting a lot of knitting done.
Since all the flowers and trees are beginning to bloom, I've become a little nostalgic now for the other end of the spectrum, for autumn's beautiful colors and feel. So, what better to knit than Foliage?
Pattern: Foliage by Emilee Mooney for Knitty.com
Yarn: Cascade Dolce (55% alpaca, 23% silk, 22% wool) in col# 934
2 balls at 109 yds. each
Needles: Size 7 ChiaoGoo bamboo dpns, Size 7 16" Clover circs for
body and size 5 16" circs for ribbing
This was a very enjoyable hat to make! I can see why so many people have been making this pattern. I've pretty much been wearing it non-stop since I made it. I think it's something about the color . . . it just makes me so happy! It was an interesting experience starting at the top for a hat - I usually start at the bottom. I like pushing myself to make things in different ways. I also have to say something about this yarn - it's pretty nice! It has the well-defined stitch definition of wool, mixed with the softness and fuzziness of alpaca, and the beautiful shimmer of silk. It's a nice yarn to pick for when you want something a little special at an affordable price.

And then there's my new fingerless gloves. Someone gave me about ten balls of different colors of Jamieson & Smith's Jumperweight Shetland. She bought them to make two different projects without realizing how hairy and rough shetland wool is. She has very sensitive skin and couldn't even work with it, much less wear it. So, she gave it to somebody who she knew would appreciate them - me! Thus, my version of Little Gems Mitts was created.

Pattern: Little Gems Mitts by Donna Schabes for IK Holiday Gifts 2007 (also available as PDF thru their website)

Yarn: Jamieson & Smith Jumperweight Shetland, 2 balls of main color and little bits of all the others

Needles: Empress size 0 dpns

I had to go down to size 0s to make them fit my hand (I have little child hands). I also started the fingers earlier than the pattern specified for the same reason. Otherwise, I followed the pattern as written and had a lot of fun with it, I must say! The shetland wool bloomed beautifully after washing, and while it's not as soft as merino, I have to admit I really like wearing them! It makes me feel kind of rustic and rural.

Anyway, I've been working hard on my latest sweater project, Boatneck Bluebell from Fitted Knits, and should have it done by the end of the week. I'll keep you posted!