Hurrah! I’m settling into the calm, quiet lead-up to Christmas. Work is done, if not for year, then definitely for the long holiday weekend. Gifts have been exchanged, the door is locked, I’m on the inside and the world is on the outside. Nothing much matters for the next three days.
I’ve just enjoyed a decidedly Christmassy ten o’clocksies courtesy of Betty’s of Harrogate (via a very accommodating sister). Lovely Stollen – I’m an almond paste fiend so Stollen is right up my street – and spiced Christmas tea. I’m not a fan of all Christmas teas, but this one definitely gets the thumbs-up; it’s got a nice orange lilt and the spice has been added with a good, steady hand so it’s not overpowering. Most enjoyable.
I’ve worn the big blue slouch a couple of times so far and it is just gorgeous. I struggled to find the right buttons as the ones I’d planned right at the start turned out to be too big for the buttonholes. That was very annoying because it was within my grasp to make the buttonholes fit the buttons, I just didn’t bother to check. Nul points, Madame Knits. In the end I went for some domed gold buttons which look quite good. The jury is out as to whether I’ll go looking for the perfect buttons or simply keep these on there. The wool for my friend’s New York cardi is awaited and I’m planning to do a Christmas Eve cast-on of a pair of socks in this lovely purple mix yarn. I could get them finished over the next three days if I really worked at it.
After my previous post where I mentioned wanting a refreshed set of ink colours, it will surprise no-one to learn that I am still using the colours I inked up in November. This will change. This will change tomorrow, if not today, and I’ll be back in a couple of days with an update. In the meantime, the eagle-eyed amonst you might spot a hint about something new in the above photo.
For now, though, there’s just time for a few resounding choruses of “I wish it could be Christmas every day” whilst indulging in some wool-winding and pen-cleaning.
I hope all my friends in blogland have a lovely Christmas, or alternative celebration, and that everyone finds some light and warmth in the midst of the long winter chill.
Pam Alison Knits 
11 responses to “The calm before Christmas”
Have a wonderful Christmas ❤️
And a very merry Christmas to you and yours.
Have a wonderful Christmas ❤️
Ooh, what’s in the Waterman bag?
Have a lovely Christmas.
All will be revealed…. Happy Christmas to you both.
Oh, I see that bag! What’s in there Pam? Hmmm? I am putting the kettle on now, but I don’t have any Christmas flavors. I am with you on the almond paste. I could eat it straight up!. Merry Christmas!!!
Only one more sleep until new pen day! I think the world divides very evenly into those who like almond paste/marzipan and those who can’t stand it. One of my abiding childhood memories was watching some family members peeling the almond paste off the Christmas cake and leaving it on the side of the plate. Me, I love an almond croissant and a marzipan log, not to mention a Simnel Cake as my Easter treat.
Yum! Do you have almond horns in pastry shops near you? Soooo delish! Just a hint of chocolate on the tips.
No, but a quick Google image search has me wishing we did! Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Had to look up Simnel Cake. That sounds so delicious!
Thank you! Merry Christmas, Pam! 🎄🎅❤️