O Holy Night

When last I wrote, my mother was coming for a short weekend. I was cleaning. She arrived on Saturday while I was at work. She was escorted all around midtown to take in the holiday sights at night. It's really the only way to do NYC during the holidays. Everything really shows up against the night background. I guess the tree and all it's glory were beautiful. The inside of St. Patricks was amazing. Saks, Bergdorf, Barney's, were all beautiful. It was a little cold but she hung in there. Saturday came and we headed out to the NYC Craft fair. It was held on 4th st. in a lovely event space. It was a thousand degrees inside but worth the trip. It's great to see crafters selling there crafts. I would have to say that the knitting was the least impressive. I'm not sure if it was because it just wasn't great knitting and/or design or if knitting is simply unimpressive surrounded by handmade paper, jewely, pottery, and the like. I'm still thinking about it because it was Very disappointing. Anyway, we then had a lovely brunch at B Bar. I know, who would have thought? I haven't been there in ages. But, it was great. Then we headed down Bowery and into Soho. Soho is extremely underwhelming in terms of holiday cheer. The stores really need to amp up their decorations a bit. After we strolled and shopped downtown we headed uptown to Columbus Circle and the UWS. (Much better decorations.) We ended up at Lincoln Cetner for a 5:00 showing of the Nutcracker! Then home to decorate the tree.




It was really, really great seeing my mom. I wish we lived closer or that I could take time and visit her. It's been so hard since my dad died. My sister crazedcrochez is going to be with her for Christmas. So hopefully there will be a little cheer for her this year...by the way, on my sister's blog she has a little questionnaire about your favorite things and traditions for the holidays...I can only answer one: favorite christmas song - O holy night. Whenever I hear it I start to cry uncontrollably. Probably it has something to do with my dad?

In knitting news...I have just finished blocking the left front of the cashmere sweater redo. I did something that I never really do. Instead of shaping up the side, I just changed needle size. I wasn't sure I was going to like it. And I wasn't sure that it would be subtle enough but after blocking, I think it's going to work. I also thought that it was coming out a little too small. Again, after blocking, I think it's ok. I've hemmed the bottom and the center front. Both look darn good. The only problem I'm going to have is yarn quantities. I was totally wishful thinking when I only bought 6 skeins. It's 400 yds each but I'm doubling it. So I only have 1200 yds. to work with. Both fronts are actually full backs because they finish at 3/4 front and then the 2" hem. It's $35/skein. YIKES!! Oh well, merry christmas!

I just bought a bunch of Karabella Aurora 8 on sale on the Patternworks website. It's only 4.50 a ball. I'm making an afghan for the sweater redo's husband. I'm thinking color blocks but I'm not sure yet. I can't imagine that it will be done in time for chistmas. However, we are all meeting up in Raleigh for a Big Birthday Bash over the 3 day weekend in January. It will be done by then (I hope!)

Uh, I think that might be it for now. I want to get crackin' on the other front so I can snap some photos and show it off!!