The interview aired on Wednesday evening on Phoenix 3TV News, on the 3 On Your Side segment. I’m at the beginning and end. You can watch it here:

Dubbed the Cushy Chroma Socks due to their warmth and thickness, these socks make for perfect winter knitting.  I don’t know about you, but as the hectic holidays wind down, I’m always in the mood for some easy, quick knits. The Cushy Chroma Socks fit the bill. No teeny needles or thin sock yarn here – Knit Pick’s Chroma Worsted works up quickly on US #5 and #6 needles. The end result? Soft, warm socks that are perfect for padding around the house on frigid winter days, wearing to bed  to keep tootsies toasty at night, or even to wear out in your roomier shoes or boots.

The Cushy Chroma Socks pattern is available for free from Knit Picks. Sizes are Women’s small (shoe size US 5-6), medium (7-8), and large (9-10), ranging in circumference from 6.5″ to 8″. Chroma Worsted comes in vibrant colors ranging from blended stripes to bold. I love wearing these cheerful colors when the weather is dreary!

I’ve been privileged to be part of the Knit Picks Independent Designer Program since April 2010. I thank Stacey and the rest of the Knit Picks team for the opportunity to include another pattern!

This Eleanor is in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino. I adore this teal color. Say hello to me at Stitches – I’ll look just like this, but without the wooden neck.

Is anybody else bringing Eleanor along to Stitches West? Leave a comment if you are! The project pages on Ravelry show there are a lot of beautiful versions out there. I’d love to see them in person!

I had always thought about making one of these shawls, but had never considered what it would be like to receive one. One of the most powerful times of my mother’s illness was when a staff member from her church came into her room at the hospital, bearing a prayer shawl. He was the epitome of kindness and led us in a beautiful prayer. My mom couldn’t speak, but she spent a long time entranced with the shawl. With her one good hand she felt the stitches over and over, and admired the pretty colors. It was as if she could feel all those blessings and prayers knitted into it.

The shawl has served as blanket on Mom’s bed, a shawl around her shoulders, and a lap warmer when we wheel her outside. During a particularly bad stretch that found my mother in ICU again, I wrapped up in it as I slept in a recliner in her room. As I hugged it around me I was comforted by the thought of all the people sending their love and prayers Mom’s way. Most of all, in the middle of the clinical, machine-laden world of hospitals where the effort is on to heal the body, it has served as a reminder that what really matters is the spirit.

If you’re looking for a very Christmas-y pattern you might like to check out my Christmas Smock Top Sock. It features both a challenge – the cuff done in smocking stitch – and also the mindless stockinette stitch that can be such a comfort and relaxation during this hectic time of year.

The pattern includes directions for sizes Small, Medium and Large.