Happy Halloween... onto Christmas knitting

As you can see, my girls were very excited for Halloween this year (as usual). They were a fairy princess and a vampire (anyone else notice how even the 'scary costumes' for girls are essentially princess dresses these days?). Don't look too close, or you will see how much chocolate milk Little Sis spilled on herself at lunch today. We had exactly 1 group of 3 teenagers stop at our house last night at 9:40. It was a little sad. We gave them almost all our candy and shut off the lights. In fact, the beer snob took our girls to our old neighborhood to trick or treat with some friends. Our neighborhood is great, but with 1 acre lots, no sidewalks and limited lighting, it's not trick or treat friendly. Plus, it's just on the cusp of turning over from the original owners to new owners with young kids. Maybe next year...
I did do some knitting this week! In fact, I completed two projects! First up, we have Grumperina's Black Sea Hat*. Having already made Odessa, I knew I had to make this as well. Once again, great pattern. And, it's made from Baby Cashmerino, which is just to die for- too soft for words. I need to find a new source for beads, though. These Joann cheapies felt like they were going to destroy the yarn. Luckily there were no major issues. I also managed to make the hat with just one skein, so I have another skein. I think another hat is in order, which one is the question. My second finished project for the week is a pair of Fetching fingerless mitts, made from Sensations' Tesoro wool. I was very pleasantly surprised with this yarn. It may not be the Cashmerino Aran called for in the pattern, but it's very soft, and it didn't split or get caught on the needles. The only issue occurred when I pierced the yarn with my needle. It fluffed up like it was reverting back to roving. I used one full ball plus about 5 yards from a second ball. I also have two full balls of other colors, so I may make one of the girls a think striped scarf from it. I made one adjustment on the pattern- I didn't do the pico bind off. I tried and it looked bad. I don't think I understood the instructions fully, so I went back to a regular bind off, and it worked just fine.
I'm still plugging away at the magic stripes socks. Turns out they are huge! Luckily they fit the beer snob nicely (last time I tried to make him socks, they were way too small, and my dad got them. This time, I don't try and they fit him- happy accident). Speaking of socks, you should go check out Maud's socks. They are gorgeous. Her knitting really inspires me!
Finally, thank you for all the kind comments about my Simple Knitted Bodice. I love getting your feedback, and I was pretty darned happy with those results. Unfortunately, it's been in the 80s since I finished, so it has not yet been worn. The perils of being a knitter in Florida. Well I must run. Book club is tonight, and I have to finish A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole- the most absurd amusing book I've read in a while. You gotta read it...

*As modeled by my vintage 1974 McCoy Pottery 'Have a Happy Day' piggy bank. This was an 8th birthday gift from one of my buddies, and many years later I started collecting the other pieces you see in the background- a cookie jar, a couple of coffee mugs and a small planter. 1970s kitsch will always have a place in my kitchen.