With the completion of Ronnie, I’ve been dedicating my commuting and lunchtime knitting to Thrum and am happy to say that I’m making progress.

I’ve played around with the technique on this mitten a bit. The kit was a gift from my secret pal and comes with instruction on how to thrum. I also referenced a pattern in Folk Mittens that discusses thrumming and looked at the info from the Yarn Harlot. Combining all this information, I’ve come up with a method that works for me and I think gives a nice look to the mitten. But, as a result of all that experimenting, this mitten is a little wonky. The thrums are different on the first part than they are from about 3 inches up, the spacing of the thrums is a little messed up (my fault entirely - apparently I don’t know how to count - who knew?), but all in all I think it’s cute and I don’t think the recipient will care too much. At least now I have it figured out and the second mitten will be a bit better.

In our many stops on the shopping train this weekend we had to stop by the LYS. I had ordered a longer addi natura for Ombre and it had finally arrived. I got an addi turbo rather than the natura, but the owner says she’ll trade it out for the right one when it comes in. But anyway, while we were there I noticed there was a new class schedule. I’ve never taken a knitting class and thought it might be fun. Forgive me for my moment of insanity. After looking at the class schedule - some of which I had absolutely no interest in (socks, novelty scarf, finishing), a couple sounded like they might be interesting (2 handed fair isle, gansy sweater). I took the info and we went on our merry little shopping way. When we got home I looked at the schedule again and read all the fine print. Due to the reduced cost of the classes ( I’m not sure $50 for a sock class is exactly a bargain, but I have no experience in such things) all the yarn used in the classes has to be purchased from the shop. I totally understand where they’re going with that, but it really limited my desire to try one of their classes. They don’t have any yarn I’d want to make a sweater out of - I’m not really an acrylic kind of girl and the wool they have is just so so, nor do they have any great sock yarn. No Rowan, Jaeger, Jo Sharp, Lorna’s Laces, Mountain Colors, Koigu… Then I really started thinking about how I’d do in a knitting class. I do not believe for one second that I know all there is to know (not even kind of close) and know that I still have a lot to learn about knitting. But, would I enjoy a class? Would I learn? Would I be frustrated with the class environment? Would I be better off with a book and a fire at my own house? And I decided that yes, I would much rather learn from a book (with the addition of the always valuable assistance of my blogging friends). I realize there are a lot of people out there who learn better by example and classes are a great way for some people to learn. This got me thinking. I know, always a dangerous proposition. Do bloggers in general learn from books or from demonstration? Is there a difference between blogging knitters and non-blogging knitters? So, the ultimate question I have for you is: How do you learn when it comes to knitting?

I’m feeling rather smug this morning. This is indeed a big deal because it is -30 with the wind chill this morning. Smugness in the face of such crappy weather conditions can only be sustained for amazing feats. And the amazing feat? It is a finished Ronnie!

I finished knitting the second sleeve yesterday afternoon and did a happy dance right there in my living room. I still need to block it, seam it together, and knit the couple of rows for the neck, but I’m done with the knitting of the pieces. And pretty darn happy about that. I finished the first sleeve on Thursday and cast on for the second after Thanksgiving dinner. I worked on it over the weekend a bit and decided yesterday that I might actually be able to finish the second sleeve with some quality knitting time, which just happened to be Home Alone on the television.

So, I didn’t work on Ombre except for a little bit last night and I’m still on the 5th stripe, but I only have 10 rows left on that one, and Thrum didn’t see much action either. But, one Christmas gift is almost done, so I think it was a successful weekend. At least in my book.

I hope you all had a lovely weekend and made it home safely from your travels. Twenty-six days until Christmas (27 if you actually count Christmas)!

Thanksgiving went well. My mom, mom-in-law, and I had a good day knitting and cross-stitiching while we watched football.

The boys built a barn. I’ll try to take some pictures of it tomorrow. I’m always so impressed with the stuff Travis knows how to do.

Yesterday I was very brave and went shopping with my mother-in-law. The mall was a bit crazy, but luckily we didn’t stay too long. Target was nuts too, but I can endure a lot for Target!

I’ve made a lot of progress on Ronnie and I’m quite pleased with myself. I finished the first sleeve on Thanksgiving Day and I’m about half way through the second sleeve now. I hope I’ll be able to get a lot done on it tomorrow and maybe even get it finished by the end of the week! Having one Christmas present finished would make me feel a lot better.

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving if you celebrate such things and that you’re having a nice weekend. Happy knitting.

Today is the day the Gryffindor Socks meet their new owner. I’m nervous and scared that she’ll like them, but I’m trying to think positive. So, after a bit of blocking, I put them in the sock sleeve.

Thanks to Carolyn for the idea.

And then I wrapped them up. Ok, well there wasn’t actually any wrapping involved unless you count the tissue paper I wrapped around them before I stuck them in this box.

I’m like a nervous mother sending her first born off to school on the first day. What if she doesn’t like them? What if they don’t fit? What if…? What if…? What if…? Yep, I’m neurotic. I can’t help myself.

In other Christmas knitting news, I started the Thrum Mittens on Saturday.

This was my first successful attempt at a tubular cast-on and it went off without a hitch. I don’t know what the problem was the last time I tried it, but whatever. I really like these mittens, even though I haven’t worked on them much. However, if any of you know a good trick for getting that roving to stay twisted on the needle while I’m moving those stitches over it, I’d be very grateful. I’ve found the whole process to be a bit awkward - I feel like I have too many needles and too many thumbs.

Today is my last day of work this week - I do so love a holiday week. Tomorrow I’m staying home to bake pies and rolls and knit as much as I can. It sounds like the perfect day.