Black Mountain Duet

 I made this simple scarflet/hat combo several months ago, but just now got around to posting it.  I liked the concept quite a bit--a rectangle with buttons to work as a neck-warmer, but it also has a ribbon drawstring that can transform it into a hat (here is the pattern on Knitty).  I really like the colors too, those muddy purple blues.  The yarn is an alpaca wool and acrylic blend, though.  I had read somewhere that alpaca would not itch like regular wool.  Maybe it's just me, but I think this is terribly itchy.  Oh well, this was destined to become a gift anyway, for someone with far less finicky skin.

And in other news: I am currently reading John Le Carre's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (I haven't seen the film yet) and Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence.  And, since Jordan is reading it now, I am also sneakily re-reading The Hunger Games whenever he puts the book down.

I have plans that involve scissors and potentially a good deal of regret.  First, I have a long coat that I think would work better as a shorter coat, so I am thinking of altering it myself.  Second, I haven't been able to get a hold of my hair dresser in over a week, so I am planning to trim it up myself--I think Jordan should be able to manage a straight line across the back, and I can do the layers in the front.  I've been cutting his hair for a few years now, so I think it shouldn't be too hard to do my own.  And anyway, it'll grow.  I just don't have time to track down a new hair dresser, especially since we are going to be moving in a few months and I would have to start the process all over again.