Since some of you wanted to know how the prints came out… Click for big, since the image is a little too large to work on smaller screens. I was happy with the way some of my efforts printed; others were truly pathetic in the ink-transfer department. Why? I had this idea that I would lay the block on top of the paper, and then apply pressure to the back of the block. I used a heavy glass candlestick to do the job. What I could have done, had I consulted my several printmaking artist friends instead of diving in to experiment on my own, was to start with the block face up and lay the paper on top of it, in which case the gentle application of the back of a spoon would have solved all my difficulties and saved my arm muscles, too. Oh well, next time.

Tomorrow: Axel fingerless mitts, with pattern! (Well, 1.5 mitts, anyway.)

I’m making progress on my raven mittens. Here’s Mitten the First, all ready for a nice blocking:

What is this mitten doing on a workbench, you might wonder? Why, helping to spawn more ravens, since I can’t get enough of them:

  

Bet you didn’t know I could carve linoleum blocks, did you? Mr. Garter didn’t. It was sort of gratifying to hear him exclaim over it: it’s nice to know you’ve got some tricks left in the bag to surprise your spouse after six and a half years together. Anyway, I got all fired up to make cards this year, something I used to do with my mother when I was young. The actual printing is slated for tonight – I’ll let you know how it goes.

Meanwhile, Mitten the Second has advanced to the top of the thumb gusset, so the prognosis is good for these to be ready by Christmas. Whether the other holiday projects will follow suit is anyone’s guess, so back to the knitting!