Greetings, from the City of Light! Germany and France have been beautiful, and thankfully, the only wet weather we're likely to have is tonight. We had a soggy walk back and forth to dinner this evening, but it was well worth it. Things will be a bit drier, if colder, for the rest of our stay here in Paris.
My mad dash of Christmas knitting was well worth it and seemed to have paid off. I've been enjoying the blue seamless hybrid sweater that I finished just before we left and have gotten to wear it a few times. I'm still cold much of the time, though. I'm amazed that in a sweater I can only wear comfortably for a few days each year in Texas, I'm shivering in Germany in France. I should have brought some long underwear, I think. Still, it has helped some, and I hate to think what shape I'd be in without it.
The day before we left I cast on for a gift for my sister-in-law, an active duty colonel in the US Army who works so hard when we come to visit. She deserves something nice, if anyone does. I saw the Cosi Cosa cowl in the latest edition of Knitty and thought it would be perfect for her. I even had some heathered dark green yarn that was just right for it. I just worked on it during the evenings like it was no big deal, and I think she was really surprised when it turned out to be for her! I had a bit of a challenge blocking it in a damp German winter, and it might have been a tad moist when I gave it to her, but I think it looks great and once it's dry, should keep her neck nice and warm. And it's quite modest, size-wise, compared to some of the king-sized neckwear popular amongst European women.
On Christmas Eve, the kids got to open their ManU hats. I think thy liked them. Gracie had been worried about how she would "represent " at the big game, so she was very excited. Hers was a bit big, but she'll grow into it. Michael didn't take his off the whole evening! This afternoon, my brother sent me this photo of his family watching Manchester United playing Chelsea in their Boxing Day match. I'm eager to hear if they got any comments from any of the local fans.
It's been a great trip, and we still have a few days to go. If you want to hit me up to see some more photos from the trip, I'm sevenlefts on Instagram. Send me a request and I'll add you. I haven't stumbled into a yarn shop yet, but hope to find the time soon. I hope all of you are enjoying this holiday season and that we all have a fabulous new year.
Paris - how wonderful! I'll bet the Champs-Élysées is fantastic at Christmas. If you have the time and inclination, I'd recommend the Basilica of Saint-Denis. It combines two of my passions - gothic and graves. The architecture is amazing and the crypts are a veritable who's who of French nobility from the Dark Ages to the Revolution. It's not bad to get to - there's a stop on the Paris Métro at Basilique de Saint-Denis. About 40 minutes, if I recall from the Saint-Germain-des-Prés stop. Saint-Denis is an interesting 'compare-and-contrast' with the Basilica Sacré-Cœur at Montmartre. And if I remember rightly, behind Sacré-Cœur are some interesting artisan shops; there might be a yarn place there.
ReplyDeleteAnyroad, it sounds like a wonderful trip. And, funnily enough, today is one of those rare days in Austin when you could have worn the blue sweater - 44 and dismal. The rest of the week looks to be cold, so you may have the chance again.
Bon chance, Steven! Or as we say in South Austin, Lucky Ducky.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment, RE. It made me remember studying the Cathedral and Abbot Suger in Dr. Howe's medieval art class. A wonderfully eerie (and chilly) way to spend a morning.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes - you took some great classes I'm very sorry I missed. I know y'all are having a great time - safe journeys back and a wonderful new year!
ReplyDeleteAll your knitting looks fantastic! I am deeply troubled that you were cold in Europe, though.
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