Absolutely gorgeous!

The weather-people on the radio station here called it "Indian Summer" ... to me, it is even better than the real thing. The temperature is mild ... even with all that sunshine, you won't sweat a bit, yet you can still use a nicely knitted jacket or sweater ... isn't that just perfect? I knit, but I don't really look forward to the winter weather here ... which is cold, dark and wet. I much prefer the winter in Hong Kong - cold but dry.

So, the weather has been gorgeous here for a whole week, and I have been knitting a pair of gloves, which cannot be used immediately. Actually, I didn't have a single pair of gloves the whole time I was here ... not really a necessary item for me. I was more knitting out of interest rather than need. When I got the book A Gathering of Lace, I was pleasantly surprised to find that there were patterns for items other than shawls. Actually, the 2 sock patterns are really beautiful ... on my to knit list.

If you like knitting socks, the chance is great that you'd like knitting gloves too. On her blog, nona has given tutorials on i-cord gloves ... starting from the fingers. That's a fun way. But I started mine from the cuff and had to re-attach the yarn for the various fingers. At first I thought I would be annoyed by this. I am happy to announce that it was not the case. Considering the small size of the FO, the finishing for gloves is enormous. Yet, I have changed a lot in my opinion of finishing work after the blue afghan and Old Tiles. I still enjoy the knitting process more than the finishing, but I am more able to see the latter as an essential part of the former, which would be incomplete and futile without good finishing. This explains why I could weave in all the loose ends (sound familiar?) without any delay and got an FO quickly.

No more Michael Jackson freak. Instead I am now Mickey Mouse! But the flash was a bit too much and the colour seemed to be not true to life. The following shot is better ... but you have to ignore my cross-eyed Mickey Mouse look!



The lace pattern is simple ... but I like the way the zig-zag pattern extends into the fingers. I think I may have made the right thumb too short, so I have to rework on it later when the gloves are dry from their bath.

Details:
Pattern and Modifications: Vanalinn Gloves by Nancy Bush from A Gathering of Lace
No changes made to the pattern, which was very well written. It was written for woman's medium. Luckily, that fits me. If it didn't, it may not be that easy to adjust the pattern for different number of stitches.

Yarn: Peruvian Collection Baby Cashmere (60% Baby Alpaca/ 30% Merino Wool/ 10% Cashmere) Col:2020 Claret
I have used this yarn before and like it a lot as it is very soft, though it splits a bit.

Gauge and Needles: 32 stitches to 4", US2

I suddenly realized that we are nearing the end of November! So, I'd better get my brother's Broad Street Mittens started!