More gifts off the needles!

And more added to the list. Sigh.

But first - what's done?

This!

Pattern: City Shawl by Stephanie Japel
Yarn: Lion Brand Chenille Thick and Quick - 2 skeins
Needles: Target US 13 metal needles
Time: Started several weeks ago, finished Sunday December 11.
Mods: I went down to a US 13 from the 15 the pattern calls for. I did this because the chenille yarn and my US 15 Bamboo needles were not being friends. I also bound off when I ran out of the second skein.
Thoughts: Great, quck and easy pattern. Next time I will: Use a different yarn. I've learned that I hate chenille, but I had this in the stash and it was what the pattern called for. I'm thinking a bulky weight wool yarn for next time, and I'll stick to the 15s next time. I hope it will be warm and appreciated by the receipent - it's not quite as big as I would like.


Christmas ornaments!

Pattern: from Handknit Holidays by Leigh Radford
Yarn: Odds and Ends - mostly Wool Ease
Needles: Clover Bamboo Sz US 7 DPNs
Time: On and off last week
Mods: None
Thoughts: Great cute quick pattern! Endless color and striping possibilities. I would eventually like to make more of these, but not right now. I made 5 total - one was mailed before the photo op.

Best part of this project - I learned to hook! The pattern called for a single crochet chain for the hanger, and I was completely clueless, but I read the directions and did it! It was a bit tricky to manage the yarn under the hook going through the loop without getting caught on the loop (does that make sense?), but I think that's mostly a practice thing. Or maybe I used a hook that was too small. I don't think I'll be switching to crochet anytime soon, but it is nice to have a useful skill!

Mousies!

Pattern: From Knit Knack Kit by Kris Percival
Yarn: Odds and ends - worsted weight
Needles: Sz US 6 Susan Bates
Time: Saturday and Sunday Dec 10 and 11
Mods: None
Thoughts: Love these! Cute and quick. Tricky stuffing the catnip, but I managed. I see lots of these for kitty warming gifts in the future!



A modeled HiP photo for you - I kind of like the way it rolls up, gives it some personality.


And finally, someone helped daddy put the lights on the tree last night - he's such a good helper!

The list is slowly but surely shrinking. I also finished two more super secret gifts, but no pictures for now. Only one more of these to go!

I'm starting to feel "holidayish" - the tree is (finally!) up and decorated, and I listened to my Oak Ridge Boys CD today (I know, ghetto - it's like admitting the Neil love. But I love this CD - blame my mom!).

Mom was bugging me about her gift, and The Man said to tell you mom, that it is knitted adult diapers. Sorry to ruin the surprise!

Job interview tomorrow - for a "real" teaching job.....fingers and toes crossed!

I promise book reviews tomorrow (I hope!).