I think probably like all makers, I really like knitting for the people I love. You think about them while you're working, knotting different intentions and memories into each row. It's an opportunity almost for meditation on that person, maybe something close to a prayer.
I'd hinted heavily to my sister that I'd be making a sweater for her for Christmas, and she hinted heavily back that she wanted something chunky and in bright red. I worked up this sweater in a size small. There's much pleasure to be had in super bulky yarn and a nice, thick needle – even just a few minutes working on it made me feel so productive – plus a bigger project like this warms your lap as you work! (It's the little things, isn't it?)
I'm trying to do a better job at keeping track of the patterns and supplies I rely on so I can report them better here. So: I used this yarn in the color claret. (I usually do my yarn shopping at Webs since it's a five-minute walk from our home, but they're closed on Sundays and sometimes I can't bear to not have a project on my needles!)