Elizabeth Zimmermann's Tomten

I have been meaning to join the zimmermania blog for ages and have never got around to it. I have to admit when Knitting Without Tears and the Knitters Almanac arrived from Amazon I was a little disappointed; there are so few pictures and no colour at all. It's now more than a year later and I find EZ's writing really inspiring. The only project I have completed however is a Tomten jacket for my 18 month old nephew.

It looks better on my nephew (everything looks great on him) but I am pleased with it and it really was enjoyable to knit -very quick too.The main body was knitted in New Lanark DK 100% wool, woodland, 3 balls. It's not the softest wool you'll ever come across but it is great value.They have an online shop and if you are ever in Scotland it's a nice place for a day out.

The hood and borders were knitted in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino, 1 and a bit balls. The whole thing is knit on 4.5mm needles in one piece, only the sleeves need to be seamed. My nephew has apparently had lots of complements when wearing his Tomten and his mother and I have decided he looks like a cute little elf in it. I'd recommend this pattern and I'll probably knit another one soon.

Today I finished knitting my last Christmas present and it's still January- what a result! It was a pair of cable rib socks for my dad. I'll ask him to model them so I can take pictures at a later date. I finished them while watching an old Celtic match on TV (versus Dundee, December 2000). Celtic won with a last minute goal by Didier Agathe (it hit off his face and went in- they all count). I won't be knitting tonight as the Motherwell v Celtic match is on and it could be a nervy affair. C'mon the Hoops!