I was trying to figure out what to do for a certain Christmas gift which shall remain namelss and ran across a pair of mittens that looked promising. The knitter had crafted three sets, so evidently, her giftees like them. Joining her admirers, I sent her a message, she wrote up the pattern for me and I gave it a test drive.
It is surprisingly fun to be a test knitter. She did a lovely job writing up the pattern, which made it just like knitting normally, but I am giddy nonetheless. This is my first project to finish within a day and I learned a new technique – magic loop. I’m not in love with it, but it seems like a handy thing to know.

and the fact that the mittens are reversible just makes taking pictures of them that much easier.

I started a vintage Santa Christmas ornament for a good friend early last December. The ornament was so cute, maybe I’ll make several, I thought. There turned out to be several holes in that theory.
1. Vintage patterns are difficult to read when you are used to modern patterns.
2. Working with tiny crochet thread, especially black, makes me feel like I’m going blind.
3. It turns out I’m a little bit of a perfectionist when it comes to Santa beards.
4. I hate finishing work (like sewing on eyes, mouths, mustaches, beards, and belts).
He’s finally finished and I’m fairly satisfied. Hopefully, the friend will give him a happy home. I’m off to toss this pattern in the recycle pile.

Happy Birthday to me! Happy Birthday to me!
I love my dear TH! Happy Brithday to me!

and for those of ya’ll keeping track at home….yes, my birthday is in mid-December, but TH and I have never stood on ceremony or been held back by such mundane things.