The days are getting shorter and darker. We met on a late afternoon at Julie’s house and couldn’t believe it was already December. Francy brought treats – delicious cranberry bread. Wine and tea. Yum. Thanks, Francy.
The cat watched on as we ate and drank and knit.
A lot of us are making Christmas gifts, like Julie, who is knitting a shawl for her mother. It’s an interesting basketweave pattern made with Paton’s classic wool. Very pretty.
A shawl for mom from Julie.
Michele is knitting a scarf for her daughter, Erica. I liked the heathery color although it looks more purple than it really is in the photo. Michele was also wearing a fuzzy shawl that she knitted a while back.
Pretty scarf, pretty shawl.
Carol is working on a gorgeous cowl for her sister. She commented how she was looking forward to picking out some big buttons for it. You can catch a glimpse of the pattern at her elbow. We can’t wait until next week to see which buttons she chose.
This color is delushous looking, isn't it?
I finally finished my mohair shawl using the yarn that I bought in Scotland and I love the way it turned out. So warm and comfy. I made it extra long so I could wrap myself completely.
My Scottish shawl. LOVE IT!
Francy is knitting another sweater for her granddaughter, Grace, who will be here for Christmas. She knitted a similar sweater when Grace was tiny, but she’s already outgrown that one. Good thing her Bebe is a quick knitter!
Bebe Francy.
Marylane is knitting another newsboy cap. Her daughter Kendra loved the one that Marylane gave to her at Thanksgiving. Not sure who this cap is for, but whoever they are, they’re lucky, lucky, lucky.
Getcher newsboy caps here!
Leslie is knitting another pair of twisted mittens without beads, this time. Leslie, the famous hand model, was glad to oblige with a pose. Thanks, famous Leslie.
December bonus! Two famous hands for the price of one.
Linda is also knitting fingerless mittens, but hers aren’t quite as finished as Leslie’s are. Speaking of Linda, she will be a different woman next week. She’s resuming her maiden name and giving herself a middle name (that she lacked before). Welcome to the world, new Linda!
Little tiny beginnings of mitts.
I noticed that Julie was wearing a fetching new necklace, so I got a close-up. Why, it’s a stitch counter! Our Julie is the consummate knitter – always elegantly accessorized.
Ah, one, ah, two, ah...
Deb had a hard day at work. Sorry, Deb. She is almost finished with the body of her husband’s top-down sweater. This started a conversation about how much further she had to go, so Julie went and brought out HER husband’s top-down sweater that she finished. She says that Brian loves it and wears it a lot. Here are the two sweaters in before and after phases.
Deb's sweater, sans sleeves.
Julie's sweater, avec sleeves.
We all got together and agreed to have Leslie’s husband Jim paint a view of Snyder Lake as a happy memory of Marylane’s hike last year with her son, Walker. I was too weepy (as were we all) to get a photo of the presentation, but that’s probably for the best. We all love Marylane and Dick so much, and share deeply their happy and sad times. That goes for all of the Castoffs. We are so like sisters, now, that I want to share what everyone goes through in life, happy or sad. Thank you, Castoffs, for being my sisters. I know you’re there for me and I for you.
Here are a couple of shots of Castoffs at rest, unposed and natural. We meet at Carol’s house next week. Tick, tick, Christmas is getting closer! The following week we have our second annual Christmas potluck and White Elephant gift exchange at Marylane’s house. Until then, keep those needles blazing and let’s all hope for a BIG snowfall to make it seem more like winter.
Carol and Linda - knittin' and gabbin'.
Michele, Deb and Julie doing what they like to do.
