Monday, October 25, 2010

Basic Fingerless Mitts and Other Adornments for the Hand


My job is keeping me pretty busy these days.  I try to carve out recreational time, but I still end up working long hours during the week and part of the weekend, so I don't have much creative time.   There's not much sewing going on here, but I do knit.  Sewing seems to take more energy than knitting, while knitting seems to quiet and center me.  I can also more easily pick up projects for short bursts of time.  Doing a row or two in odd moments doesn't require the time commitment it seems to take to quilt.

I made this great free fingerless mitt pattern in a dk weight wool I picked up at Tuesday Morning, of all places.  The yarn, Hacho, is a soft and colorful Peruvian wool, and I needed less than one skein (about 130 yards) for the pair.  Tuesday Morning is a discount place that gets home decor stuff, linens, gardening supplies, dishes, toys, and some craft supplies.  You never know what they might have in the yarn department, and they never have more than a few balls of each color, but it's generally high quality yarn for a discount price, and just the thing for small projects.


And here's another small hand adornment, but sign of a bigger project in the making.  Michael and I are planning to get married.  Of course the way we're doing it hardly counts as wedding planning.  When you're our age, marriage is about the logistics of sharing our households and families.  So we're working on it, and when we figure out all the details, we'll tie the knot, no big rush, no deadline. 

This is a lot different from when I got married in my late 20s, but wonderful in its own way.  Michael and I have been a couple for several years, and have been very happy together.  We've liked not being married and having separate houses.  But looking toward the future, this is the direction we've decided to take.  I feel very lucky both to have such a great partner --he really is one of the most wonderful people I've ever known-- and another shot at marriage. 

11 comments:

Finn said...

Love the fingerless mitts Barb, will have to check out where you got the directions. One of the pitfalls of aging seems to be that my hands are always cold. Well, for that matter, so are my feet, but I can fix that one. Maybe the mitts are just thing for in the house. Should be able to use the computer etc, just fine with them on.
My most sincere congratulations on your new journey. Such a change from the first time around, I'm sure. I do wish you both every happiness and a minimum of troubles. Awesome news! Hugs, Finn

Judy S. said...

It's lovely! Congratulations! Wish I were close enough to give you a big hug and congrats in person. Best wishes to both of you!

I so agree about the convenience of knitting and its centering capabilities. Thanks for the FG link. What an interesting bindoff!

Many years ago I shared an apt. with a hs English teacher and was blown away by the stacks of papers to grade....I suspect your free time is taken with much the same. But glad to see you're making your students work too!

Libby said...

Congratulations!

Susan Elliott said...

LOVE the ring Barbara! It's beautiful! With a ring like that, I think you should make a shorter version that won't cover it up. I'm very happy for you and I always like looking at your knitting projects. I was just remembering your Fall Madonna yesterday and it made me smile.

Rian said...

Congratulations, Barbara and Michael. I am very happy for you.

PS, beautiful ring.

Kay said...

Congratulations! It made me happy to read this, although I don't "know" you as a couple. Happiness is a good thing!

allie aller said...

Wonderful news, Barbara...and what a lovely way you chose to tell us. I am so happy for you all. xoxo

Debra Dixon said...

What a beautiful ring, Barbara!! You'll be a lovely bride & Michael is a lucky man!

sophie said...

What lovely news. Best wishes.

Magpie Sue said...

My warm congratulations too Barbara. It's a big step to take at any age. I wish you both many years of comfort and companionship - whenever you end up tying the knot!

dee said...

How wonderful for you both. I'm so happy for you. Truth to the old saying- A good man is hard to find-hang on tight to each other.

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