Advent Fever, Five New Hoops & One Very Excited Almost-British Husband

Some weeks at McIntosh feel like a gentle drift through woolly calm.
This was not one of them.

This week was a joyful jumble of yarn, paperwork, festive chaos, and one German husband reaching peak Advent.

Let’s begin with the moment that nearly sent Dr Thomas into orbit:
ADDI sent us the AddiVents Calendar.

I cannot overstate his excitement.
Most people enjoy Advent.
Dr T lives Advent — spiritually, emotionally, and, apparently, athletically.
He’s been hovering over the AddiVents box like it’s a sacred relic.

Meanwhile, over on Planet Yarn, I’ve been busy myself.
I knitted and photographed five new hoops this week in the beautiful KnitPro Symfonie hand-dyed yarns.
They’re vivid, joyful and — dare I say it — dangerously addictive.
They’re all now up on the site if you’d like a peek.

But the biggest news of the week?

Dr T’s application to become British has been approved!

We’ve booked the ceremony for early December, where he will pledge allegiance to The King, His Heirs and Successors.
He is taking this VERY seriously.
Posture has been rehearsed.
Tone of voice has been practised.
He’s asked me twice if a tie is “the done thing to wear for swearing loyalty to a monarch.”

The man is ready. And I'm very proud of him.

And because last week many of you asked — yes, the picture at the top of the blog is the wreath.
Handmade by my old school friend Paula at Cabin Craft in Northern Ireland, it now sits proudly on our door declaring:

“Christmas is here, darling.”

You’d think that would be the end of this week’s festivities… but no.
Dr T decided he had “survived” the Budget and therefore deserved a reward.

His treat of choice?
Not chocolate.
Not wine.
A real Christmas tree from Lidl for £13.99.

It is currently sitting outside our flat in a bucket of water, waiting either to be topped with a fairy or to shed every needle in a dramatic protest.
We’re taking bets.

So that was our week:
five hoops, one very festive elf-husband, a handmade wreath, an unexpectedly royal ceremony on the horizon, and a Christmas tree that may or may not make it to December.

Here’s to yarny joy, Advent excitement, and trees that try their very best.

— James
(and Dr Thomas, currently practising “God Save the King” under his breath)