snowfling mittens

When you live in "Winterpeg," you need some good mittens.

And I think mine are THE BEST!!

This is likely the fanciest thing I have ever knit up, my first go at colorwork, and while they appear really advanced, they were quite simple to do.  It is a pattern and kit by Tanis Fiber Arts aptly named "Snowfling Mitts."  I tested them- they fling snow alright!

Not only are they perfectly adorable on the outside, they are LINED with a super soft and happy coloured cashmere wool blend to keep your hands extra toasty!   That little flash of colourful lining makes me so happy, like a best kept secret :)

(I love the picot edging at the wrist- so many cute details like that in this pattern)

These have already gotten plenty of good use and have received many compliments.  I feel like a knitting rock star!  These should definitely help with the winter blues when the snow is still here in, like, April.

it's a good day for making quilts....

It's about minus bazillion degrees outside, and all I want to do is curl up under a quilt, knitting or making another quilt, with a big cup of tea and the fireplace on!  Here is the dreadful forecast for "Winterpeg" this week:

For those unfamiliar with the Celsius system, -30 C is about -22F, i.e., colder than your deep freezer.  There are only really a few choice words to describe it, and most of those have four letters.

But, on the "plus" side, I have managed to finish my wonky "plus/cross" quilt top, which is especially fitting as I am "crossing" my fingers that the temperatures will return to the "plus" side of the scale one of these days!  I sliced up a bunch of scraps and fabrics, no measuring, and made blocks of all sizes, which I then spliced together using neutrals.  I absolutely love how it turned out, and it was pure joy to make.  And I know just who to gift it to when it is all done.

It seems to be popular with the furry people, too.  It took all of 20 seconds on the floor before Bailey the Wonderdog claimed it as his own. Smart pooch!

Happy Monday.  Keep warm! ;)