love is four stitches to the inch on a #8

What I'm wearing today

Woke up to a brisk 10-degree morning. Bright moon in the clear dawn sky amid snowy branches...dogs' water dishes frozen solid.

I like a hard freeze because everything's so clean. I know, that's a little neurotic. But you just might develop the same neurosis if your yard was mined with various doggy surprises.

Anyway, so Loopy went to the basement to break out the heated dog dishes, while I went to the upstairs closet for the warmest-ever hat and mittens.

I don't know how Loopy felt about the dog dishes, but was sooooo happy to see my wonderful purple things.

I believe I love my hat/mitten set more than any other inanimate objects... both are knit by my lovely Loopy, from my favorite wool, Manos del Uruguay, in some of my favorite colors to match my purple coat.

Best of all, they are lined with angora (on the left you can see them inside out, revealing the lovely lining...).

Mmmmm, so soft, so warm!

When I wear them I feel all wrapped up loooooove. And when I notice/remember the various sweet, thoughtful little customized details, it's always like getting a little surprise love note in the middle of an ordinary day.

They are so warm that I was able to walk for almost two hours this morning on Picnic Point, wind howling off the lake, without my face or hands getting the slightest bit cold (other than the tip of my nose!). Before these, I have never had gloves or mittens made from any material—natural or artificial—that actually kept my hands warm.

We once wondered why such lovely items are never sold in stores...but then we figured out that the materials & labor for the hat alone would cost close to $200, so that answered that question!

In more public places (i.e. Flickr), they are modeled by Aleida Guevara....but in reality, I probably wouldn't even loan them to Che's daughter....unless she really, really needed them of course....and promised to give them back...........

ooooh, ok, you got me, what the hell kind of socialist am I if I won't part with warm winter clothes????

Dear Aleida, if you really, really, REALLY need them....maybe Loopy will knit you some in your favorite color!