Happy Holidays

Knit Edition

Pattern: Thorpe Hat
Yarn: Cascade 128 Superwash Chunky
Needles: Hiya Hiya interchangeable size 9

As usual, I was busily knitting away during the days and nights before Christmas. I wasn't about to let a family-wide stomach bug keep me down for too long.

A few weeks prior, I decided to bag the individual hat patterns I had chosen and went with variations of the Thorpe for everyone. It is quickly becoming my favorite hat pattern - especially since learning the magic loop method. Using chunky yarn makes this a particularly warm winter hat and I really like how it goes down a little further in the back to keep little necks warm. A friend of mine passed along a neat stranded design which I easily adapted to the Thorpe to make it a little more interesting. I also couldn't resist adding a pom pom to Xochi's (post pic). What little girl doesn't look cute with a pom pom? After taking this picture I also added braided ties to each of the ear flaps.



I made a pair of One Cable Mitts for my sister Abbey to match her hat I made her. (I would list the yarn except I got it on sale, threw away the label and can't for the life of me remember what it is) She loved them. I am thankful for a 13 year old sister who loves and appreciates my knitted gifts. AND wears them... thank you home schooling.

On Christmas Eve, we get together with my mom's side of the family and exchange gifts. Several years ago we decided to exchange small stocking-stuffer sized gifts, $5 and under. As soon as the Mrs. Meyer's seasonal scent was released I snatched up about 10 bottles of dish soap and then set to work knitting some simple dish cloths. As a side story, a month or so ago my grandma had to make an unfortunate and unexpected early morning trip to the emergency room. She called me and asked me to call 9-1-1 for her. On my way out the door, I had enough sense to grab my needles and yarn and was able to knit up about 3 washcloths in the 8 or so hours I sat at the hospital. As it turned out, she was fine... she just needs to schedule the gall bladder surgery she's been putting off. Using a bit of twine, I tied the wash cloths to the soap and used them as my stocking gifts. I wish I had a picture to show you - I was so glad with how they turned out.

Pattern: Basic Knitted Dish Cloth
Yarn: Blue Sky Alpaca Worsted Cotton

The one thing I didn't get finished before Christmas that I really wanted to was a knit Secret Santa gift for our Jazzercise gift exchange. I finished them today though and will present them tonight at our big reveal party.

Pattern: Mitten Cuffs by Jane Richmond
Yarn: Cascade 128 Superwash
Needles: Size 10

I'm super excited about this little pair of mitts and can't wait to make a pair for myself! I love how you can wear them long or buttoned short.

And finally, I started on this hot water bottle cover for my grandma. She always appreciates my knitted gifts and I know she'll love this one just as well. I saw it on A Friend to Knit With - Leslie is using Cascade 220 (which is an absolute favorite, versatile yarn of mine) but I went with something else I had in my stash.

While there were plenty of knit gifts for other people, Christmas didn't pass without a couple of kniting related gifts for myself. Justin, as thoughtful as ever, got me two knitty gifts that I'm so excited about.

First, the Knit Kit. Love, love, love it.


And second, this wonderful book which I had seen on a blog before Christmas and told Justin I wanted before I initiated the "no Christmas wish list rule" in our home.

Knitting at Home

I can't wait to get some yarn, pull out my needles and cast on
for something out of it.

Oh!! And did I mention that those needles are my new Hiya Hiya interchangeables that I bought completely with consigned clothing money? Our local yarn shop is a combined yarn/consigned clothing store. Imagine my delight when the clerk told me I had $80 credit... sooo.... I bought the whole set!! Woo Hoo!!!

New Santa Poster

Here, in the living room, where we'll all get to enjoy it more often?

Or here, in the hallway, where we obviously need some art?

Would you like one too?
It's from Cavallini
I got mine for $5 at a cute little vintage shop,
but you can probs find it on-line somewhere.
$3 or so will get you a poster frame
from a thrift store.
Add a little blue spraypaint and voila!
Adorable Christmas.

ps. Cavallini has other amazing wrapping paper/posters
that could be used for a myriad of art
around the house.

pps. And if you're really lucky my kiddos will make
creases in it so it can be just like mine.
Bah humbug.