I’m busy, busy knitting these days but I did promise some pics of FOs when they were done.
First: the Snapdragon Tam for my kids’ German Teacher, which was well received.

Löwenmäulchen is German for Snapdragons (or so says d'Internet
I absolutely loved knitting this pattern. And it flew up. I cast-on really late last Sunday night (more like early Monday morning, to be honest!). It was finished and blocking by Wednesday; ready to be gifted at the last German lesson on Thursday afternoon. I loved working in Malabrigo Sock too. I made this with 4mm needles, which I felt was a little loose for me. Next time, I make this – and I’m certain there will be a next time – I’ll make the next size up, in a smaller size needle.
I’m not absolutely convinced by the sudden flashes of lighter colour – I would have rathered if it had less of the yellow-green. But hopefully it doesn’t take from the overall effect. The German Teacher told me she loved it and that it was her favourite colour. So I’m happy!
Next up, this character:

Cute or what?
This pattern, Smith, also comes from Ysolda Teague’s book “Whimsical Little Knits 2”. I loved knitting this – attaching the various rows of stripes was such fun. I modified the centre portion by omitting the central repeat. I did it because I knew I wouldn’t have enough yarn if I followed the pattern as written. Now that it’s done, I think that including the repeated section would have made the overall body too elongated.
This was also a quick knit – though it stalled for a bit while I searched for what to use for stuffing. Going on a tip from fellow knitters Sinead (@sineadR) and Mairead (@doogarry), I bought cheap pillows in Pennies – two for €4!! They’re filled with perfect stuffing material and such a bargain too – can’t wait to make more soft toys, all of a sudden!
The yarn was “rescue skein” I re-homed when Clarabel was de-stashing recently. It’s a thick-n-thin cotton from Araucnia Yarns “N. Cotton PT 709” if that makes any sense to anyone?
I’m still knitting like the clappers, however: two gifts down, three to go… Not to mention GlenvarAgin – did someone mention GlenvarAgin?
No! Perish the thought! Shudder!