A Sort-Of New Year's Day

 January 1st doesn't really feel like New Year's Day to me because I had Jewish New Year back in September.  Being a teacher reinforces this feeling that the year begins in September. Nonetheless, I am having a lovely day. It started with a quiet cup of coffee and working on my Guernsey Wrap:

Mid-morning I headed out with some friends for a walk at Indian Lake Park outside of Madison. It was snowy and beautiful and not too cold. Afterward we had a potluck lunch together. And tonight I'm having both my family and Keith's over for a very casual dinner.

Rachel never was a fan of winter, and now that she's lived in Miami for 18 months, she's struggling with our very mild winter. As a result, there are blankets scattered about the house. Which Naji appreciates:

I hope you are having a lovely January 1. May we all have a healthy and happy 2016.

On the Needles and Bedside Table

Thank you, Rose, for inspiring me to start a Guernsey Wrap. This Jared Flood pattern is perfect for winter break: cozy and rhythmic.

I'm making it with Peace Fleece, which is heavier (and less expensive!) than Flood's Shelter, which the pattern calls for. I like it, but I'm thinking it might be nicer in the lighter wool. Oh well, I might have to make a second one!

Confession: I am not very good at "reading' my knitting. I read about how other knitters can memorize lace patterns and then knit by watching the pattern emerge. Not me. I need to check the pattern every row or two. I think this might be related to my lifelong struggle with math.

Reading a pattern all the time can be tedious and time consuming. A few weeks ago, while I was shopping for embroidery supplies, I noticed these magnetic pattern boards and wondered if these might speed up pattern reading. 

Ta-da! It works. I love this simple tool!

As for reading, I started a book that has long been on my list, Life Drawing, by Robin Black.

It is billed as a literary thriller -- one of my favorite types of books: intelligent but also engrossing. At least, that's what I'm hoping this one will be.  I have started and put down so many novels lately that it's frustrating. I miss being lost in fiction.

I have a very quiet break planned and it is just what I need after a tough fall at school. Informal gatherings with friends, family time with my parents and kids, and lots of arts and crafts. What could be better?

Wishing a wonderful holiday to my blog friends. Do know that I treasure each and every one of you. Reading your blogs and your comments is one of my favorite activities. Thank you for being part of my life!

Joining up with Ginny for Yarn Along.

Doesn't Feel Much Like the Holidays

Even a cheerful flock of Santas on bicycles doesn't make Madison look ready for the holidays. Not only do we have no snow, but it's been raining on and off since last night.

I was downtown with my mom doing a bit of gift shopping when these folks biked through. They put a smile on everyone's face.

It was perfect weather to start a Guernsey Wrap by Jared Flood. This pattern has called to me for a number of years. I was tempted to start it when Rose of Sand in My Yarn posted about hers. This wet, rainy cold also made now seem like a good time to knit a substantial wrap! I happened on some Peace Fleece in a dusty rose (more muted than it looks in the photo) and off I went:

Last night I saw the movie Brooklyn with some friends. It's very sweet and well-done -- but definitely a love story. I'm glad I didn't drag Keith to it.


Thanks to all of you who sympathized with the strains of work. I'm just sorry so many of you share this type of stress!