I was especially pleased to see knitting front and center on the op-ed page of the venerable New York Times. Ann Hood, author of among others "The Knitting Circle" wrote a piece for the NY Times 2 Sundays ago. She speaks about how knitting has helped her and countless others deal with all of the problems of every day life. If you are reading this, you already know that. You know how soothing and comforting the click, click, click of those needles are and how luscious good yarn feels in your hand. And how nice it is to gather around a table and sit and knit or crochet and try and solve the world's problems... It's just nice to have someone write about it for all the world to see.

I got a few hat and scarf projects done.  The scarf is "Just Enough Ruffles" made out of Cascade's Eco Duo.  I had a lot of yarn left over, so I made a hat form a free Cascade pattern called "The Magic Rib Hat"

Another free on Ravelry pattern -- the Gap-tastic Cowl made out of Debbie Bliss Glen yarn.  It has a very subtle color change and is composed of alpaca, merino and acrylic.  It's basically a seed stitch pattern done in the round -- I used Size 13 needles.

Pat finally finished her mitered square shawl, using several skeins of Cascade Heritage Sock yarn.  She liked it so much, that she is now doing another one in Mini Mochi.  Great colors!

New spring yarns are starting to arrive.  The first of the group is from Knit One, Crochet Too.  It's called Nautika and has a great spring color palette and beautiful patterns to go with the yarn

More patterns from Churchmouse Yarns and Tea.  Here is the very cute Stay-on Baby Booties made out of Fortissima Piccolino baby yarn.   I used less than 1/2 skein.  Jen asked me if I taught her how to knit right now would she be able to finish these by June, when her best friend is due.  What do you think?

The Welted Fingerless Gloves pattern has been staring at me for the last 3 months.  I finally got down that skein of Manos Silk Blend and knit these up in no time.  I really like the construction of the thumb gusset.  It looks very elegant, I think.

The new Debbie Bliss Spring/Summer issue is here.  I love her patterns.  This issue has a lot of those old-fashioned, yet timeless sweater patterns.  Here's a sneak peak.

And the children's dress patterns are absolutely adorable

You may remember this sweater from a previous blog.   Gary knit this out of SWTC Karaoke and Plymouth Llama Linen.  He decided to overdye it with Chocolate Brown dye and then he stenciled a design on it.  Do I see a class in this technique coming up?

Here's a matching scarf.

Jane loves to knit socks.  I am especially pleased when she chooses to use Woolbearers' Hand Dyed yarns.  Here's an example of Woolie Bears sock yarn in Red.

Judi made some gifts for her daughther.  The hat pattern  is Polar Chullo -- although Judi made skulls instead of polar bears and the handwarmer is Day of the Dead Arm Warmers, both made out of Jamieson's Spindrift.