I had such high hopes for this week. After all the Thanksgiving hoop-la, I allowed myself a day of rest . . . and then I was going to hit the ground running with planning and decorating and general catch up.
But I got a cold, instead.
And my dog got sick and has required tending.
So here I am . . . resting . . . and knitting a big old gnome!
I’m no stranger to gnome-knitting. I’ve knit plenty of little gnomes over the years (you can see some of them here and here if you’re interested), but I’ve never knit a Sarah Schira gnome before. (And, yes. I totally “blame” Kat for all the inspiration over the years.) It’s fussy business. But I don’t shy away from “fussy knitting” (once in a while). And, really . . . The End is in sight.
Yesterday was soaking-and-blocking day. Today will be stuffing and knitting-the-bottom day. And then . . . all I have left is a beard, some bobbles, and arms. (Did I mention that the arms have mittens?) (With thumbs?)
Anyway.
I’ll have a big old gnome in my house this Christmas season!
And that makes me smile.
How about you? What are you working on these days?
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(And JoJo is doing okay. But, friends . . . She is an old dog now – she’ll be 13 on January 1 – and we’re treasuring each of our days with her. But she is also declining. She’s happy and still enjoying her days. But also declining. Y’know?)
Wow, you get the award for patience with extremely fussy knitting, Kym! I am impressed. Sorry to hear that JoJo has been under the weather. I totally understand decline in a beloved dog, so I am sending good vibes that she will rally. I had to put my last dog to sleep at the age of 18. He’d been a part of my life for so very long.
That is a lovely gnome! I have never knit any gnomes although I’ve been tempted by enabler Kat. Fussy knitting really isn’t for me, but I certainly admire other knitters’ gnomes. I do hope that both you and JoJo are feeling better and I’m sending some “good long life” vibes along to JoJo. I’m also sending you plenty of “good luck with gnome mitten thumbs” thoughts!
Mittens with thumbs! I love this!! SO MUCH! I am in Gnome Land as well… it is a delightful distraction. I think tiny gnome socks might be the most adorable thing of knitting… but mittens with thumbs could be runners up! Haha! I am sending all the love to JoJo and hope that the decline… declines. They give so much to us each day… the love of Frankie is saving my sanity right now. (and his antics in the fresh snow yesterday were THE. BEST!)
That gnome is going to be glorious! I’m looking forward to its final reveal. I’m so sorry about Jojo. Taking care of a geriatric dog is a special kind of gift. Thinking about each of you and sending love.
I knit mittens w/thumbs for one of Sarah’s smaller gnomes a couple of years ago — MAGICAL!! I enjoy how clever & thorough her patterns are. And, dang, a BIG OL’ GNOME!! It’s looking great! (Is that Felted Tweed?)
It’s hard to see Kat’s gnomes and not get inspired — I truly think she improves upon the already-ingenious designs! Sorry to hear you and JoJo have both been under the weather. Give your pup some scritches for me.
Oh Jo Jo.
Love to see your gnome. I have many of the gnome patterns and kits to make them but just haven’t started any yet. Maybe some year in the future.
One of my knit group ladies is knitting that gnome. They are going to be awesome.
Sorry you and Jojo aren’t feeling well. May you both feel better soon.
Oh dear! Sending healing wishes to JoJo and keeping some for Talbot (C&M’s 13 year old cat who is under the weather with an “off” white cell count). They (C&M) had to say goodbye to Marcel just before Iris was born. I hope Talbot can hold on – Iris LOVES her brother! And, I hope you are feeling better as well. As I commented to Kat, YAY for gnome knitting (not that I would do it – lol), but it seems to work for so many,
What a great gnome! And I’m guessing it’s not quite as fiddly since it’s big. I did learn that the key (for me, anyway) to those small gnomes is very short dpns. I understand about JoJo, I hope you know that. Dixie was 14 so, yeah. I get it.
Glad you’re on the mend … and that gnome is indeed epic! (mittens with thumbs?!) I know you’re enjoying all the Jojo moments; I made some good memories during Holly’s last months.
Give your sweet girl tons of kisses from me. xoxoxo
I so enjoy watching gnomes come to life. I don’t know that I will knit one but you never know. I once said I’d never take up spinning and then I did and take great pleasure in the process. Love to JoJo and her family.