Oak Grove

My lovely Mother was my model :)

Hello!!

I seem to be playing a little catch-up again with my projects!!  I haven't been very faithful in keeping the blog updated on what I'm working on again.  I'm hoping to change that though, and so to start off I want to show you my Oak Grove Fingerless Gloves.  At the beginning of the month I was starting to get myself back up-to-date on the happenings over on the Itty-Bitty Knits Group and stumbled across a KAL they had been doing of Alana Dakos of Never Not Knitting's pattern called Oak Grove.  KAL's always peak my interest, so I just had to check out the pattern.....and it was GORGEOUS!!  Alana is one extremely talented designer, and I'm a huge fan of hers so I knew I would not be disappointed if I bought this pattern.  I had been feeling particularly down that day and this was just the little "treat" that I needed!! 



I also just happened to have the perfect yarn in my stash!!  Again, something I forgot to mention; I joined the Knitting with Jane Group on Ravelry's Elizabeth Bennett Shawlette KAL and when I purchased the kit, I bought the two other colourways they were offering as well.  This one is the Pemberly colourway and it a gorgeous kettle-dyed chocolate brown that is a scrumptious blend of merino and silk.  It was a dream to knit with and makes the gloves extra special because I'm a big Pride and Prejudice fan. 

I decided to do the fingerless gloves instead of just the fingerless mitts so that I could learn a new technique, and I really like how they turned out!!  It's nice to have that extra little bit of warmth on my fingers.  Now I want to knit a pair of fingerless flip-top mitts, but I think that will have to wait a little bit as I finish up a few other gift knits first.  I'd highly recommend this pattern if you like fingerless mitts/gloves as they're a fun and satisfying knit, and they're perfect for your fall wardrobe.   

I also think I forgot to mentioned that I've started my Christmas knitting!!  I actually started back in August, but I've only been working on them off and on.  Some I can show on here and others I can't since some of the recipients read the blog.  This is a first for me; usually I don't start until the end of October/beginning of November.  I've also adopted the theme of small, useful, handmade and lovely this Christmas.  I hope that it will make both the gift making and gift receiving much more enjoyable to all!!  Instead of just "mass making things" so that everyone will get lots of presents, I'm trying to choose the gift completely based on the person and their likes, tastes, and what would be practical for them.  I think it's a much better way to make things and it makes the gift more special.  In this generation, we tend to be consumed with more, more, more, and I think we need to take a step back to a more simpler way of life.  One where we notice the little things, slow down, and learn to really appreciate each other and enjoy life.  At least that's what I am going to try to do.  I'm tired of being so worn out from trying to do too much because of the pressure that either I've put on myself, or from what I think other's expect out of me.  I'm going to do my best to let go of unrealistic expectations and consumerism, and embrace life and all it offers.  I think it will make for a much happier me and those around me, since our attitudes affect those we are close with.  I'm not going to go "full-out" with all this and do such things as not purchase things anymore or take on radical attitudes.  I'm not doing a complete turn-around and overhaul of my life, but more like a gentle shift of priorities. I just want to take the time to  learn to find and enjoy the simple pleasures in life.  I guess I see it like this: God gave us such a beautiful world and I am going to do my best to enjoy it. 

Much Love to you all, xoxo