Catch-up: Impromptu little knits.

Aside from all the shawls, there were two other small knits that were made for gifting and both were made with yarn I'd received for free! The first was a hat for Dash.

With a single skein of Knit Picks Gloss DK from the Ravelry goodie bag at this year's Rhinebeck party, I cast on 90st on 4mm needles. I joined in round and K1 P1 for 1.5", then switched to stockinette until the hat measured 6" or so. Then spiral decreased down to 9st (K8 K2tog repeat, K one row, K7 K2tog etc etc). Then for extra flourish I made a pompom with the leftover yarn. I'm not sure if it is actually going to be big enough for Dash but hopefully it'll fit this year.

Next up was a gift for my lab secret Santa. We pulled names on Monday afternoon (incidentally immediately after my Big Scary Annual Faculty Meeting) and gave gifts on Wednesday. Since I pulled someone I knew would appreciate a hand knit I immediately went home, wound up yarn and set to. Maybe four hours later I had this.

Pattern: Darkside Cowl by Sarah Fama
Yarn & Needles: Manos del Uruguay Silk Blend received in a goodie bag at the Knit1 launch party I went to forever ago, US8/5mm dpns.

The fact that I tied the package with leftover yarn and that the gift was, um, knitted might well have given me away as Santa. But it was very well received and hopefully will be worn!