Hats!

I'm in Christmas gift mode.  This started with one sister who wanted a red hat resulting in the one you see top-left.  This was a pattern called Side Slip Cloche from the book "Boutique Knits" by Laura Irwin.  I did that one in Malabrigo Worsted in ravelry red and liked the results so much I made one for myself in Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran (bottom left).  It's kind of the perfect project for luxury yarn!

The top right hat was also from "Boutique Knits" called Argyle Lace Hat.  I did this one for sister #2 who wanted something gray and loose fitting.  It took a little more time than I usually invest in something so relatively small but I think it was worth it.  I used Misti Alpaca Worsted in Charcoal.  Misti is kind of my fantasy yarn.  So squishy and soft!  I used antique buttons for the seam.  They had once belonged to our grandmother.  If I had not had her collection to choose from, I think brown leather buttons would have been really darling.

The black beanie at the bottom was a stash-buster project.  I had some Misti Alpaca Lace and some Crystal Palace Kid Merino.  The pattern is Simple Pleasures Hat from purlbee.com.  I improvised a little, holding 3 strands together rather than two (two alpaca, one kid).  Even though the pattern is simple and the color plain, the result is surprisingly feminine.  The yarn is quite soft and fuzzy (which didn't show in the pic for some reason) and the fit is slouchy.  Somehow when I wear it, it manages to NOT wreck my hair.

Next on the horizon: 
A lap blanket for my friend, Michelle
Pillows for my parents
My first attempt at a Stephen West pattern (Spectra.)