As promised, here's a photo of our Solstice Tree:
Okay, okay, this is not a full-body shot of the tree, whom we've named Rosalind (Roz for short). This was the only daytime photo I took, and while she looks lovely to us with her glittering night lights, she claims she doesn't photograph well that way. Anyway tomorrow is winter solstice, so I hope she's ready for her non-closeup by then!
UPDATE: Nevermind. Photographing a big tree in a small apartment can be tricky! Here she is...
And here's a wee closeup of my favorite decoration, our hand-painted vintage tree-topper:
The photo above was posted just to demonstrate that I have fallen to the pompon craze. I'll admit I even made a few while I was supposed to be studying. And I coerced Chris into making a pompon or two as well. They're great as ornaments, especially considering they have no future as shards of glass on the floor courtesy of Catty and Moses. The pompon above was made with Lamb's Pride Worsted in Blue Blood Red and Knitpicks Shimmer in Turquoise Splendor. These were made according to the instructions in Last Minute Knitted Gifts, but Kate Gilbert has instructions that look even more effective for achieving that elusive round shape (even though I'm not sure I fully understand them).
I also wanted to introduce you to my new best friend:
(a terrible photo - apologies!)
That's right, my new best friend is a cheese. You gotta problem with that? This is Cahill Porter-Soaked Cheddar, and you can buy a pound of it on Amazon. It's a new addition to our coop cheese selection, and it is everything you could ever want in a cheese. That is, tasty cheese plus beer, all rolled into one. Just thought I'd share, since one of you Dear Readers recommended Cahill a while back. Right on, whomever you were!
Posted by jess at December 20, 2005 11:23 PMYum! At first I thought it was cake, but cheese is even better! I love your pretty pom pom :)
Posted by: Illanna at December 21, 2005 5:02 AMIf you ever need help on the Gilbert pompom instructions, drop me a line - I used to make them like that in kindergarten :)
And yes, if you use enough yarn, they will be round!
Love the cheese, by the way, I thought it was cake too at first.
You caught the pompom fever too ;) I haven't quite got the full and squishy ones like in the books, but practice helps. Yours is cute - and perfect for ornaments.
Hope your day goes well - hope you are not too effected by the strike...
Posted by: Lolly at December 21, 2005 8:04 AMOoooh, the cheese is pretty!
Posted by: Colleen at December 21, 2005 9:29 AMThere is a Guinness cheese that looks similar - very delicious
Posted by: Claire at December 21, 2005 10:06 AMFabulous tree and I love the pompoms. I'm going to have to remember that for ornaments for next year. Your tree topper is gorgeous.
Posted by: Stephanie at December 21, 2005 10:06 AMThat is the yummiest looking cheese ever. My mouth started watering as soon as I saw it. mmm... I love cheese.
Posted by: Jenn at December 21, 2005 10:45 AMHee. I took a very similar picture of the Guinness cheese I met in Toronto. Very good stuff. Very good stuff indeed.
Thanks for the the color recipes too - I'm revving ymself up to try dyeing in the new year.
Posted by: Juno at December 21, 2005 2:08 PMi was huge into pom-poms last x-mas, made boxes of them for family to decorate the tree. The best way to make them is to use those little japanese makers from clover( i think?). And Lambs pride is the absolute best!!!! for the pom.
Posted by: clairity123 at December 21, 2005 11:32 PM