I've always been more of a pattern-knitter than a pattern-designer. Exclusively so. I guess, in this case, that it stands to reason that my first original pattern wouldn't be an Orenburg-esque shawl.
Instead, I went with the tried-and-true "winging it" formula. And I must say, it was rather successful. 
My dear friend Nick is almost as obsessed with Harry Potter as I am (I love you, panda, but you're still only second fiddle :)), but as he lives in Texas, there isn't much time in which he can use any major handknits I'd create for him. However, a pair of fingerless gloves in Gryffindor colors fit the bill nicely. I thought about swatching, decided not to, cast on a seemingly arbitrary number of stitches with some Merino Style in Hollyberry, and worked out the rest of the math accordingly. These are FAST gloves to knit, and the only fiddly bit was the interminable weaving-in of ends.
And oh, was it fiddly!
I'm going to wait on writing up a pattern for them, pending approval from Master Nick. If all goes well, then I'll write up a pattern in a few different sizes. It'll be a nice experiment -- a complete departure from my norm.
One Christmas present down! ...a bunch more to go. Here's my official list:
Christmas 2007 Knitting To-Do List
1. Pomatomus Socks for Mom (not started)
2. Icarus Shawl for Mom (not started)
3. Glittens for Dad (one done, one to go)
4. Beanie with brim for Kyle (not started)
5. Foliage for Jesse (not started)
6. Socks and hat for Steve (not started)
7. Nautie for Jesse, Kyle, Hannah, and Mike (not started)
8. Cthulhu for Dad (not started)
9. Baby Sweaters 1-3 for Nick's nephews and niece (all started, probably about half done altogether)
Yeah, that's a lot. However, I won't see Steve, Hannah, or Mike until after Christmas, so I have the days following to finish up their projects. I can knit at work so I'm not exactly pressed for time...but I still have a lot to do. The shawl in particular is creating some stress -- I can't seem to wrap my head around it. Ah well! I have backups in mind.
Off I go! There will be a tech support story in the near future!
(Please excuse the double chin making a sneak guest appearance in the picture!)
