I still can hardly believe that subjecting myself to such a deadline seems like a good idea. The last time it was a total bust (for me, at least,) but 2006 was a long time ago. It might be cliche, but things are different now. Still, fingers crossed. Now all I need is a team that will have me.
I had been toying around with the idea of a big, highly-textured pair of mittens in a delicious red for a while – something with a big, hearty cuff, a smattering of floral-inspired colourwork on said cuff and big, pure uninterrupted bits of screaming colour with plenty of purling for texture and interest.
I always walk around with this (probably totally incorrect, but still, to me it makes sense) version of Folk Art in my head and sometimes this comes out in my work. These mittens are one of my attempts to create my own body of Folk Art from a country that may or may not have ever existed (but may or may not be located somewhere in central Europe. Possibly.)
They’re named “Anna’s Mittens” after my friend Anna, who is actually European, unlike the mittens. They were her Christmas present this year. She loved them!
The Feathered Friends Mittens. More details soon, as they become available.
Whimsical socks with a large floral motif, reminiscent of the floral/snowflake patterns seen on Pizzelle cookies. For added interest they have striped soles and contrasting cuffs and heels.
...and I'm pleased to report that it does now have a name. The (impromptu) winner is Ruth, who suggested the name "Pizzelle." (And before I forget, Ruth, please allow me to present you with a complimentary copy of the pattern once it is released. Just let me know where to send it.) 
Row upon row of adorable bunnies (in two flavours!) parade across these cute mittens.
Bunny mittens (Ravelry link.) Yes.
Rows upon rows of cute pears (D’Anjou, Bartlett and Bosc!) adorn these cute mittens. This pattern is ideal for those new to colourwork. The striped thumb adds interest (I'm a great fan of the striped thumb.) 
I'll be working closely with MacKintosh Yarns to ensure that the pattern is available sooner rather than later. In the meantime, check out their yarns. I, personally, can't say enough about the Iona Sportweight.
Get the pattern here on Ravelry, and soon in my Etsy shop (which I am going to update one night this week, I swear.)
Mittens with amorous hedgehogs on, inspired in no small amount by Nanny Ogg. I’d like to think that she’d wear a pair.
Somewhere between William Morris' tapestries, Byzantine herbals, my own scribblings and the Third Style of Roman wall-painting these mittens happened.
These just might be one of the prettiest things I've ever made.
L'Amour et La Morte (on Ravelry) sock production continues.
I still love this pattern (to death.) And, happily, two more pairs took wing for the UK yesterday morning (may their recipient love them.) That's four pairs (three of them sized Men's Large) finished in less than a month! Here they are, all trussed up:
Two pairs (for the Antique Beat Boutique) to go. That's (practically) nothing at this point.
I think he likes it.
I have no idea why I'd never thought to knit for him before!
And, of course, the Heirloom socks that are available in both men's and women's sizes:
Grab them while you can! I'm off to knit more socks.
The first two (of four) pairs of L'Amour et La Morte (on Ravelry) socks destined to take up residence in the Antique Beat Boutique. As always, I am unnaturally taken with the packaging and tags (velvet ribbon has this effect on me.)
If only I could travel in the envelope with them.
Cute mittens featuring everyone’s favourite treat – cupcakes! Sweet little cakes (in several different flavours) march across both the back-of-hand and the palm of these charming mittens. A striped thumb adds contrast and interest.
I should also mention that (as usual,) instructions are provided for making fingerless Cupcake Mittens as well!
These fingerless mitts (formerly known as the Gauntles, now known as the SpillyMitts,) feature a unique twisted stitch motif, with slightly different detailing on the inner wrist and palm. Get the pattern here on Ravelry!
Get the pattern here on Ravelry. It will be appearing in my Etsy shop shortly.
Oh yes, and they’ll fit you ladies too. You’ll just have to use fingering weight yarn instead of the worsted.
Yes, the fancy-pants gauntlet (working title: "Gauntles,") is but a fond memory. Now to knit the mate.
Keep an eye out for the pattern as it should be turning up soon!
and from the back:
Yes, the socks shown are men's socks. The pattern will also offer woman-sized socks, so fear not.
This is the relatively early beginning of a pair of fingerless mittens (gauntlets.) Yes, you read that correctly. I am fighting the urge to put fingertips on these critters, at least this time around.
These are a new pair of Bavarian (Austrian?) twisted-stitch socks. Please note that I am knitting both of them simultaneously. I have a very good reason for doing so -- and that reason is that I am simply dying to design/knit a new pair of Bavarian (Austrian??) twisted-stitch gauntlets. The fact that this has entered the house isn't helping my willpower much.
Yes, it's an innocent enough (boring enough?) ball of grey yarn, but it's calling to me. Hence both sets of US 4 dpns are busily holding two socks-in-progress. No gauntlets until at least one (preferably both) socks are complete!
VINTAGE SELBU MITTENS. The reason I haven't dived into these yet is twofold: firstly, that I've been too busy designing and mitten pattern-writing, and finally, because it has taken me so long to settle on colours. I may have to take a cue from the sample and go with the ivory/off-white option, in the interests of matching my soon-to-be new scarf.
Yes. Now to get knitting.
