Sub day

Yesterday I subbed in high school math. I really don't have to do anything other than supervise. Our high school teachers post their assignments online, and even if they're out sick they respond to student questions. So, I knit dishcloths all day, and I managed to finish two.

Before it got dark, I managed to crank out three gnomes, but I only finished two.

I'm really fond of the braid in the center.

It just so happened that both of these gnomes seemed to need that braid. I think I'm going to fill my basked with gnomes before taking any more in for teachers. One high school boy has asked me for a gnome, although he keeps calling it an elf. He will probably get one, but after I have finished my gifts!

Skipping a day

There was nothing to post yesterday. Tuesday got away from me, and I just didn't get anything done.

Wednesday, I went to town! I managed to finish three gnomes before school. This one is for another of the p.e. teachers.

I think this one will be for my Secret Santa... unless I decide to keep him for myself!

I love the blue beard on this one! He went to one of our science teachers.

Mom and I went yarn shopping in the afternoon. Yes, we still have a boat load of yarn at home, but we were each looking for something specific. Mom has been making neck warmers for a women's shelter and was looking for cheerful colors. I was looking for yarns that would make good gnome beards.

After dinner, I finished the last of the gnomes that I cranked out when my brother was visiting on Sunday.

I'd like to say I'll get more gnomes cranked out today, but I'm subbing in the high school. So, I really don't expect to get much of anything done today. Maybe I'll have time to knit some dishcloths!

Starting over again

All of my gnomes are in new homes, so it's time to start another bunch!

Mom wanted me to play with this fun furry yarn. He looks so fluffy and soft! I may not give the rest of the skein back to Mom!

The kids asked me to make one for Mr. K, one of our p.e. teachers. His beard is kind of curly and grey, and he wears it in a ponytail. I've known Mr. K for about 25 years. I know he'll get a kick out of this guy!

Crankin' away!

My brother came down to visit yesterday morning, and while we were visiting I managed to crank out nine gnomes! 

I'm having fun choosing beard styles for each gnome. Somehow, grandson Aidan didn't get a gnome at Thanksgiving. This guy will be headed his way today.

The white beards seem perfect for the red bodies. The yarn is nice and plush, just as a Santa beard should be.

I decided to play with bead color for the nose. The light green makes me think this guy may have had a little too much creme de menthe!

I did not play with my sock machine yesterday. Dave is going to help me level it, which I understand is important for proper use of the machine. He was at his sister's helping with Christmas decorations. I sure hope he gets home early from work today!

An exciting Saturday!

 

Saturday was spent finishing gnomes that I had cranked out earlier in the week.

Dave didn't care for this one. I think he's adorable! I do need to play around with his beard a little, though.

Green is not a typical color for a beard, but I figure there must be some gnomes somewhere that have gotten a bit mossy from spending so much time outside.

I may have to go buy another skein of white yarn. It's perfect for Santa beards.

As for the excitement, my Erlbacher sock machine arrived Friday night! It was after 6 and quite dark when our UPS driver arrived. I felt bad for him. He still had 30 more stops! Another UPS driver showed up to help him out. It was too dark for me to work on something as important as my sock machine, so I patiently waited until we had some daylight on Saturday morning.

I haven't been this nervously excited about something since I received my Saori loom back in 2014! I was so afraid I was going to break something. I watched and rewatched videos for every step of the way. I started about 9 in the morning, and I think I didn't finish setting it up until around 3 in the afternoon. No, it was not difficult. I was just very concerned that I was going to break something before I ever tried it out! 

I'd like to use it in our sun room, which is quite crowded right now. Mom and I have been having so much fun cranking on our Addi and Sentro machines, it looks like a knitting workshop out there! I think I have the perfect spot for my sock machine, but I'll need to put a few things away today. I also need Dave to find a board to level the table since our sun room floor slopes away from the house (it was originally our back deck). 

I know I'll be watching lots of videos today. Who knows? Maybe I'll even manage to crank something on my new sock machine!

Two more!

 

I feel like I'm in Santa mode since I've now made several gnomes with white beards!

This one is my favorite so far. I love the red and purple together. He went to a friend who has been home sick this week. She loves it. I may have to make another for myself!

Just one

 

I only finished one gnome yesterday, but isn't he a cutie? I spent time cranking out bodies and hats yesterday morning, so I have plenty to work with. What I really need is to stop getting distracted!