Knotted Up

So my recent reason for being MIA is because I've found a new hobby... I am trying my hand (or hands, rather) at knitting. Now I think once upon a time, I knew how to knit. And many moons ago, when I was in NYC I went to a knitting class with my cousin Mike and we each knit a hat that neither of us could wear. (His was too small, mine was too big...it was all very Golidlocks and the Three Bears).
So I've knitted an insanely yellow scarf (for practice), I yellow and black block (to try out different knitting patterns), and for my first project a scarf and hat. The first "official" project is moving along well. So far, I've only had to obliterate the hat once and start over and while I've run out of yarn I was able to secure some more, so I am off and running. The problem is, I've decided that I am going to give my work away. This will encourage me to do really well, so that friends and family don't get that "look" of "Thanks, what am I going to do with this crap!" But as a result, I don't want to give the surprise element away and I can't post about it.
The cool thing about knitting is that it soothes the control freak in me, it gives me something to do as I sit and watch TV, it's an alternative to tele-phona-internetting, and if I'm lucky it's another skill. Plus I've found that knitters and Knitters are insane people... maybe in a good way.
I've gotten a chance to list goals and projects and something to spend money on since, my clothing now consists of browns, greys and greens...dull city. Shopping has lost its luster. People here listen to music and go outside and enjoy the outdoors... (shudder). So knitting allows me to stay indoors, while keeping busy and still not learning how to cook.
So, for the few who have been reading this, beware... you're all getting knitwear this holiday season, though at the rate I am going... you're going to luck out and get something store bought instead!