Bow-tie complete!

Here's the bow-tie scarf, completed in a couple of sittings. I am really pleased with it, even more so since I had some initial misgivings about whether I would actually wear it when it was finished. However, I put it on yesterday morning before I went Christmas shopping, and not only did it keep me warm in the twelve-degree weather, it provided some cozy psychological comfort against the crowds and the traffic that I always dislike this time of year. It stayed tucked into the top of my coat--no crazy flopping around or sticking out oddly. I very much recommend this pattern. I'm going to make the next one in something brighter and variegated, like Koigu or Kureyon.

I'm working on a pattern for a Christmas gift--I had thought I was done with the little Christmas knitting I did this year, but I had a brainstorm yesterday while out shopping and am in the process of making just one more thing. I can't say what it is, in case the recipient ever actually reads my blog, after having been reminded about its presence again and again, but I will say that I'm going to make it in Knitpicks Merino Style.

Since we have finally gotten winter weather here, I had a chance a few days ago to try out the Hayden hat and mittens, and they worked as well as I'd hoped. I stayed very warm, and when my hands got too warm, I just popped the top of the mittens. I had a nice surprise when the flap stayed back without my having to fiddle around with buttoning it on the run. I kept smelling something odd when I got home, like a wet sheep, and I finally realized it was me, but that's a small price to pay for comfort. It doesn't seem to bother sheep, either.