Happy New Year!

For my first post of the new year, I want to thank everyone who drops by to see what I am up to and wish you wonderful things for 2006. My family loves me as much or more than I deserve and are always supportive of my endeavors, but I always have a sneaking suspicion that it's only because they find me amusing... Anyway, all you kindred spirits out there, thanks for letting me know that I am not too totally weird!

Isn't this little ice fairy just the cutest thing!?! She was made just for me by Peggy Elliot aka "Raven" on the Fantasy Fins & Fairys list for a Christmas ornament swap. She is from a pattern by Leta Benedict and is only about 6" tall. Her face is exquisite, and yes, her hair really is that shiney. The ball in her hand is actually clear glass -- I have to find me some of those -- and her "flesh" is white satin that has been embellished with paint for texture.

I joined that list to learn more about sculpting with polymer clays and sent a Sculpey unicorn decorated with Christmas greenery made in the style of Christi Friesen.

I have never had the discipline to make a true white-on-white doll, though I have begun more than once. I always end up introducing color. I am going to have to give it another go one of these days.

And then we continue with the sock knitting. This is the "Girly Girl" sock from Interweave Press' "Socks" book. The original was done with handspun, but I am doing this one with Lorna's Laces sock yarn (colorway "Somerset"). My gauge is the tiniest bit smaller than called for, so this will be a slim sock. I didn't want to use a larger needle, as the knit fabric in the sole is a little more open than I like for socks to begin with.

I have another batch of the Lorna's Laces to work up yet -- I will make sure to find a pattern with more stitches in the round and use a smaller needle. It's too bad, because I absolutely love this lace design. Very simple and satisfying to knit.

Tomorrow is the girls' last day of Christmas break, and then I can have my own routine back and start on my 3D projects again. I have a naked doll sitting on the shelf who has finally decided on a persona and wardrobe for herself. (Judi Ward's "Whatever Whatever" pattern done in the zaftig variation.) This lady is one of my best and I am looking forward to getting her dressed.