haekelmonster

Last night, I went out to celebrate a wonderful friend’s birthday. (I have to admit, that slowly but surely, I am feeling too old for evening invitations during the week … getting up was tough this morning, but that’s another story).

She did not want us to bring presents. She just wanted us to be there. However, I didn’t want to go empty-handed, hence I knit her a hat.

Purl Soho’s Garter Ear Flap Hat. Knits up in no time, fits perfectly and makes a lovely gift. Fortunately, the birthday girl has a twin sister – hence, I got to knit a second hat. Both of them were a huge success last night.

Therefore, there is a third Ear Flap Hat on my needles now. Looks like this might be my Christmas present for everyone this year 🙂

What are you working on?

Lots of green socks on (German) Instagram and Facebook accounts lately – die you see them? Called to the „Green Sock“ campaign has Andrea Krull, initiator of now seven self-help groups for women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Green because it’s the color for ovarian cancer (just as pink is the color for breast cancer), socks, because Andrea Krull suffered cold feet, before and after chemotherapy. And of course, because hand-knitted socks, along with personal messages, are a wonderful way to show sympathy and caring.

Starting December 6, the socks will to be given to women in chemotherapy; I have sent three pairs to Neumünster. There is still some time left. Hence, if you’re in the area …

A second initiative I’d like you to know, is „Knitted Knockers“ – knitted breast prostheses for women who underwent mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiotherapy and / or reconstruction. Apparently, conventional prostheses are often expensive, heavy, sweaty and uncomfortable. Plus, they can’t be worn for weeks after surgery (and require special bras).

It is said, on the other hand, that the knitted prostheses are more comfortable to wear, softer, lighter and even take the actual feel of a real breast. What is more, they can be placed in a regular bra and worn after surgery.

However, I was skeptical when reading about the initiative. Skeptical and insecure. Yet, I knit one (there are different pattern for all sizes online), as I really wanted to help a friend who is so close to my heart.

The day before yesterday, she sent a voice message. She sounded grateful (to say the least).

The prostheses are knitted with DPNs and from top to bottom. A tail is threaded through the remaining stitches and left loose and open to allow for (extra or less) stuffing and to get a perfect fit.

See here for more information and pattern.

So many sad stories; so much on my mind right now.

Saving my honor: at least I have tried. Only I never had the patience go beyond „1“. Hence, one little Julevotter has been sitting here for weeks now. A friendly reminder … But that does not change a thing. I unraveled the half-finished „2“ in purple and gray nonetheless. It’s just not my thing. DPNs and FairIsle – too small, too fiddly, too many threads. Period.

No matter how much I wanted to knit and have this Advent calendar.

I am out. Thankfully, the teenager in my house is more interested in the „inside“ of a calendar than in the „outside“, hence I will hang the calendar I bought ages ago and fill its 24 little pockets just like every year.

Thereafter, the Lettlopi yarn will become a colorful sweater for me. Honi soit, qui mal y pense 😬.

Of course, Kathi is displaying her 10^th calendar today on Instagram. At least, it feels like her 10^th calendar (actually, I might be her 4^th). Even more beautiful, more perfect (if possible) than its forerunners. Lovely colors, lovely picture. Another 18 mittens to go until the end of this month and I have no doubt she’ll make it in time.

Not that I care …

If you are like Kathi (24 mittens in a week) the pattern is here.