I am back...

It has been awhile since I last posted. I have not been at my best lately. Therefore, my knitting has not been at its best either. The black jacket that I started knitting almost 3 weeks ago is almost finished, but working on it has been a struggle. Even though it is one of the simplest patterns I have ever worked on, I had redone every part of it at least once. I only need to finish the pockets and add buttons, but I can't even look at it right now (reason for lack of photo). After I had knitted on and then unraveled 3 different styles of pocket, my son asked me why I was still working on it, as I was clearly not enjoying it. At that point I realized that I needed a break from it. I am not sure if it was the yarn that I didn't like working with or just my generally not feeling good, but putting the jacket away felt like a huge relief.

I am still knitting socks as my on-the-go projects. Unfortunately, I have been forgetting to bring with me stitch markers, which are not essential for making sock but sure make knitting them easier. I made this pair from leftover DROPS Fabel Salt and Pepper. As I didn't have enough yarn for an entire pair of socks, I used black for the cuffs, heels, and toes. I actually like them more with the black than without.

After my son "giving me permission" to put the black jacket on hold, I started making a pullover from DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk. This yarn is a blend of brushed alpaca and Mulberry silk and feels so very soft. I love working with it! Also, unlike most yarn with alpaca, this yarn does not shed at all. I borrowed the pattern for the yolk from Tornade by DROPS Design, but the rest of it I making up as I go. I had difficulty capturing the color of the yarn in my photo. It is more of a deep burgundy purple and not as pink as shown.