and meanwhile

...I'm still knitting. Sort of, kind of. I'd forgotten how hanging out with a 23 month old can really eat into your knitting time. (stop laughing at me,  all you moms of young kids).

That, up there, is the Valdai shawl I'm knitting from Berroco Cirrus held double.  Loving every stitch of it, and loving the yarn too.  Totally clever pattern, with an unusual construction. The silliest thing is: this could easily be a knit  in a weekend.  Specifically, I could easily knit it in a weekend. Yet I am entering week 2 to finish it.  Moreover, I'm guilty of making  gifts and gifting them before I'd even taken any photo of them.  
Clearly I am off my game.

 I've got plans to get the shawl and an as-yet-unstarted hat done this week and properly documented.  If you're thinking about a last-minute gift knit, or a project for this holiday week, and if I were you, I'd be looking at Kay's Biggie Cowls. Some seriously sizable style, and an entertaining knit, too. Not just plain old rib on big needles, nuh-uh. win-win-win.

While all the knitting wasn't getting done, I'm pleased to report I found time to choreograph (Bob Fosse just spun in his grave..two..three..four) ) a mini flash mob during my mom's 80th birthday party last weekend.

this was near the start of it

we got everyone in and up

We like funny hats and boas. I mean, who doesn't?

 We actually pulled it off. What a hoot. Without a shred of dignity. But, y'know, dignity is overrated.

Happy solstice, to all--and merry xmas if you are celebrating this week! I'll be back with more giveaways in a couple days.