Productivity Swing

Car driving implies an increase in knitting time. With a long trip ahead of us, I knew I would be busy. The first order of business was outfitting my family in warm gear. First I made the kiddos' hats several weeks ago. Dave already had a hat, so I was the only one left. The day before leaving Michigan, I cast on a hat for me. I chose a bright orange yarn from Sweet Georgia. I really liked the bright, no-nonsense colorway. I paired the yarn with the Wood Hollow pattern from Through the Loops. I speedily finished my hat in the car the next day just in time for freezing temperatures in Minnesota and South Dakota. I was very glad to have the hat to keep me warm.

When the hat was complete, I considered making matching mittens. This plan was foiled when I realized that I didn't have the right sized needles at the ready. Instead I pulled out the red garter stitch swingy cardigan and set about finishing the sleeves. It was very slow going. I just couldn't get into a good rhythm. Garter stitch in the round is not quick for me. With just a few inches to go I set it aside and cast on a holiday gift for Aine. I saw a poncho from Grace a few years ago, and knew I wanted to make one for her. When the right bright pink yarn came along, it seemed like the perfect combination. Aine's poncho really came together quickly. Miles and miles of stockinette were a great match for the miles and miles of driving we did. The poncho body is finished. I am just now working on the hood, and I hope to be done with this gift by next week. i showed it to my mom and she agreed that Aine will love it.

I managed to read only a few pages of A Prayer for Owen Meany while traveling. Instead I listened to many audiobooks. Our family finished so many good ones. A favorite was Farmer Boy (Little House series), since we had visited the site of the Ingalls Plantation and could greater appreciate the story. We also listened to Betsy-Tacy and a few boxcar children mysteries. During a repeat listening of one of our audiobooks, I was able to finish The Tiger's Wife. It was a good book, which was made better by the reading of it. I am hoping to read more now that we are back in Arizona and our travels are over.

So what are you reading and knitting along with Ginny? Have you started holiday gift making? Do tell.