Saturday, December 18, 2010

All That Glitters ~ Evening Gloves

We can't always be traipsing about in heavy woolens, now can we? At this time of year when there are Christmas parties and family events to attend it's nice to have a little something extra special to slip on.

Not that I have all that many opportunities for getting dressed up.  The realities of my life would depress you so I try and spare you the many mundane details.  But there are those few occasions that will arise and when they do I like to be prepared!

And these sparkly gloves are just the ticket.  Although I had to make significant modifications (noted below) to the pattern I am very happy with my gloves and am hoping to have an opportunity to wear them soon.  The cream colored yarn at the top has prestrung beads already added but I snipped off a few beads from the leftover yarn and used them to sew a band of beads just above the cuff.  I love that detail as it ties the design together and gives these gloves that little extra finishing touch.

Particulars: La Doche Vita Gloves by Tili Tomas; 1 skein Milan (partly cloudy colorway) and 1 skein flurries (natural colorway); US 5 needles. It's probably more accurate to say these gloves were "inspired" by the pattern as I made significant modifications including adding a picot turned hem for a cuff; adding shaping (increases and decreases); substituted a 1x1 rib and picot BO for the ruffle; and adding a band of beads just above the cuff.  While I loved the original pattern, sometimes you just have to use your common sense when knitting and, in this case, what I was seeing as I knit the pattern made me realize that simply following the pattern would not result in gloves that I enjoyed wearing.  But because I loved the yarn, and the basic idea, I ripped back and rethought the design and made the above changes. For those interested I'll add more specific details on the modifications on my Ravelry notebook page.



P.S.  Theresa of TDoesWool has published a free pattern for a gorgeous pair Crossed Lines Fingerless Mittens that are also fancy enough for a night out or just being cozy at home sipping eggnog and brandy.

P.S.S. The shawlette I'm wearing is a Dove shawl that I began but decided the yarn was too fragile to risk knitting a full shawl only to have it snag.  I used Filatura di Crosa Superior which is heavenly soft.

P.S.S.S. The ornament I'm holding is one that I made with paper mache (thecraftshop) and glitter (Meyer Imports).  We don't have a tree up this year because it would be to much excitement for Simcha, but I still enjoyed setting out a few decorations. 

Is Simcha a Police Dog?

If you have been reading along then you know that Simcha is our German Shepherd puppy who is almost a year old now.  And while he wasn't bred as a working dog, there are signs emerging that he might just have a bit of working dog in him.

Clues indicating Simcha might be a police dog:

1.     He follows me about with the intensity of someone guarding the crown jewels.  This is flattering but am starting to feel like I ought to pretend to be about more serious business than what I'm actually doing.  I hope I don't develop a complex.

2.     He instinctively knows to give a "suspicious package alert."  Any box and/or object found anywhere in the house that is out of place (i.e. not part of the regular furnishings) triggers a "suspicious package alert" which is in the form of deep ominous growls punctuated with thunderous barks until we respond.  I've not seen this level of concern for unattended packages since I was last at LAX, where the security guards aren't nearly as smart or as handsome. 

3.     He really likes to follow orders.  This is great because I really like telling others what to do.

4.      He's a natural at "search and rescue."    I think I would have been more impressed by this if I had actually been drowning when he attempted to "rescue" me from the bathtub by pulling me out by the towel wrapped around my hair.  Note to self: lock the bathroom door during baths.

There you have it.  The clues are mounting up.  What do you think?  Is Simcha a police dog?

Until next time, be well and love well.  We'll be away over the holidays so I'll take this opportunity of wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year ~ and may the spirit of Christmas always shine in your heart and home.

32 comments:

Sue said...

Ooh they are so pretty! Simcha sounds as though he guards you with his life, just perfect if you are ever in trouble!

Willow said...

If Simka isn't a police dog, he's certainly a private security employee dog. My daughter has two private sec puppies at her house, always on alert, although most of their territory beat includes the kitchen area. They are well trained in picking up dropped morsels.

Renee said...

Lovely gloves and shawl! Your mods really make them work.

Sounds very much like Simcha has a working temperament.

Wishing you the Merriest Christmas!

Allie said...

Well if you were in Michigan you wouldn't get out of your woolies for love or money - or even a party, lol! Those gloves are just gorgeous Claudia, I love the sparkle of them.

I think you should get Simcha a Sherlock Holmes hat. German Shepherds are SO SMART - we'd tell ours to "watch" and he would go around the perimeter of the yard, looking for intruders, just as silent as he could be. Woe to the person who tried to intrude!

Allie said...

Forgot to say MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Unknown said...

This is the first year that we got a Christmas tree since 2007 (the year we got Hazel) and that year she tried eating the tree and got sick in the house. This year I've only found ornaments on the floor. So you're probably right about it being too much excitement for Simcha. And the story about him pulling you out of the tub: priceless!

Froggy said...

Simply amazing!!!

Tracy said...

The gloves are delightful, Claudia! I love the soft color and subtle sparkle of the silver/beads. And the picot edge adds a pretty little "extra" too. I like how you've taken a pattern and tailored it to your own ideals. I hope very much to getting some knitting & creative time during the holidays, my knitting has been hopelessly in UFO mode since trip to the US... LOL! LOVED your story about Simcha! He does sound like a police dog in training, even it that's not the intention...it must all come naturally! ;o) Goodness what a beautiful boy he is! He has such a majesty about him. The paper ornament you made is lovely. Pity you haven't been able to decorate much this year, but very understandable why. Simcha is still young yet! Enjoy your Christmas away, and wishing you all the blessings and joys of this time of your--Happy Holidays! See you in the New Year! ((BIG HUGS))

Monika said...

Happy Holidays!
Your shawl looks like a cloud of snow, or some snow flakes all in one place. Lovely mittens, they look warm, even though they are white, blue and glittery. :o)
Simcha will be a fine dog, when the last puppy foolishness will be gone!
BTW-I can add a pair of Finn Comfort sandals to my list ... most expensive sandals I've ever had, for the shortest period of time...

t does wool said...

Happy sparking holiday my friend..
you look perfectly festive and ready for anything..as Simcha..ready...and
on alert ;)
Merry Christmas my friend,xo.

jillian said...

Every single item is so beautiful, gloves, shawlette and ornament. I know how busy you are, so I do wonder where you find the time! :)

It does sound like Simcha might be happy being a K-9, and he clearly loves you to pieces too!

Unknown said...

German shepherds are guard dogs! Many years ago, we had one that was by a champion European attack dog out of a similarly bred bitch. Although he was never trained as an attack dog, he was a terrific protector who proved himself true to his bloodline when he protected our toddler daughter when a stranger came into the yard. No one would get out of a car at our place until we came outside. These dogs bond to their families. Count your blessings.

Rachel said...

Classy mitts indeed! And such a pretty ornament!

Your commentary on Simcha's antics had me laughing...especially his reactions to packages and pulling you out of the tub!! Maybe he was trained or maybe he's just being a German Shepherd! ;)

I hope you and your family have an amazing holiday season!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful Christmas post! Brought some sparkle to my very busy day. I love your mods to the gloves and love that creative aspect of knitting. To me, your gloves have risen to the heirloom state, thanks to all that extra attention. I'm in the process of re-ripping a hat-to-be for my husband for about the sixth time and am hoping the end result will be as satisfying as your gloves seem to be to you. (In my case, I just would be thrilled to have knit a hat that fit him!) You've certainly given me impetus to continue my quest.

Love your stories about so smart Simcha. Very funny about the bathtub event!

I have a couple of balls of Superior lying around and still looking for the perfect project. Thanks for providing a suggestion.

Have a very merry Christmas, Claudia, and thanks again for this most enjoyable post. May your new year be happy and bright.
Ursula

SissySees said...

I'm so glad to hear someone else's decorations are limited by the dog. After watching Sissy try to climb onto the table sporting the tabletop tree at work, I canned the idea of the big tree again this year. Maybe as a four-year old?

And Simcha sounds like a noble representative of his breed. Maybe he's finally understanding his place in your home?

raining sheep said...

Such beautiful knitting Claudia. I love that lacy shawl - it is perfect with those wonderful gloves. I have to say I have not gone to anything remotely dressy myself this year. I even skipped our company Christmas party because I was on holidays and could not bear having to see "work" people during my holidays!! I had such a great laugh at the police dog essay. I hope you have a most wonderful Christmas and at least some time to chill out and do nothing. Big hugs and Merry Christmas.

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

Thank you all so much! I'm so pleased you enjoyed the post and my stories of Simcha.

Ursula ~ I have a feeling #7 is your husband's lucky number!!!! But regardless your husband is a lucky man ~ and all your love and effort will be paid in full ~ with kisses.

Merry Christmas everyone :)))

gMarie said...

Love your gloves.

Literally laughed out loud at Simcha being good at Search & Rescue - sorry 'bout that!

have a lovely holiday. g

lapdogknits said...

Beautiful gloves...and Simcha...he's everything a good boy should be, he knows a good thing when he sees it and you are his "jewel". And you're right, the security could learn A LOT from him at the airports!!!

Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.

Bubblesknits said...

Those gloves are beautiful! I love the little band of beads you added above the cuff.

And I'm sorry...I couldn't help but laugh at Simcha's search and rescue attempt. LOL

Miriam said...

Gorgeous sparkly mitts! Just lovely.

I laughed so much at "This is great because I really like telling others what to do." hehehe. Simcha sounds like a real handful.

I met a police dog on the train the other day who was being trained as an explosives expert in public places. You'd think such a dog would be calm - not so! His officer partner didn't think his antics were nearly so cute as the passengers did.

Larissa said...

Pre-beaded yarn - where have i been?! Love your gloves and how you modified the pattern. How cool that Simcha 'saves' and 'guards' with out any training or exposure to guard dogs!

Teddy Rose said...

I love the gloves!

Simcha has really grown. D.J. follows me around too. I think if he ever really had a confrontation and had to "save" me he would run the other way. LOL!

Prairie Rose said...

Hi!
I found you on Lap Dog Knits and I have been snooping around your beautiful blog.
When I read your profile I teared up.
I had a beagel for 14 years.
She was my best friend and I still miss her deeply.
Mr. Puffy will always live on in your heart!
Simka is a Gorgous Fellow!
German Shepherds are such great dogs.
I have had two German Shepherd Mixs in my life and they have always guarded me with thier lives:)
You are an amazing knitter!
I am a self taught knitter and I dont think I will ever be able to knit the lovely things you are knitting.
Have a great day:)

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Beautiful mitts! I love that ornament so much. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

PJ said...

Your fingerless mittens are beautiful!

Hilary said...

Oh my gosh, they are so pretty! I loooove the blue, white, and sparkle...it makes them look perfectly wintry and icy (but warm, of course). The bit about Simcha being a police dog made me laugh so hard and I had to read it to my husband! Especially the part about his "rescue" of you from the bathtub! And him being smarter/handsomer than the LAX security guards...lol, so true!!!

Rebekah said...

Simcha is so a police dog! i bet he would have made a good working dog. But its good to have a protector. Django is my protector.

Lovely gloves!

Katherine said...

Simcha is definitely a police dog! You must get him a badge for Christmas. He deserves to look official and be certified. He is a beautiful guard and friend!

Your mitts are lovely and the shawl is the perfect companion.

knittingdragonflies said...

Oh, how I love the shawl and gloves! I had to laugh and laugh, at your own security dog!
Happy Holidays!
Vicki

KnittySue said...

Oh my...yes I think he is..how wonderful that he's so on top of things and funny oh and very handsome.
Love your gloves..they are so perfect for the holidays.
Have a great New Year.

Knitting Out Loud said...

Oh your knitting is glorious!

And Simcha, well, he certainly sounds smart. Smart and loving.

That the realities of your life might not be interesting I do not for a minute believe.

Hope you had a good holiday. Best wishes for 2011!!!