Final FOs of the year?

Pattern: Jarrett from Rowan Vintage Knits
Yarn: Ella Rae Classic, color 103, 6.5 skeins
Needles: Sz 5 and 7 Clover Bamboo circulars
Dates: mid September-Monday December 24.
Mods: Tons. I knit an XXXS size using Flintknits Pam'smods she was so gracious to share with me (thanks to the magic of Ravelry, I saw that she had knit a smaller size for her Jarrett, so emailed her and she shared her mods. Love Ravelry!). I also knit the sleeves smaller and not from the top down as she had done. Hubbo decided on a short collar (and he likes the standing-up of it), and no elbow or shoulder patches (for now).
Thoughts: he loves it. I love that it is done, and he can stop saying I've never knit him a sweater. He picked out the buttons, and it needs a good blocking so the button band will lie flat. He did say "Don't loose this pattern, 'cause I'm sure I'll wear this out in a few years and I'll need another." I think that's the mark of a successful knit!


I also knit up a quickie project for me. I started these a few weeks ago when it was starting to get chilly in the mornings, but put them aside to finish my holiday knitting. I threw them in my bag when we were leaving on Friday morning, and had them finished about an hour into our flight. And I enjoyed wearing them when it was chilly in the evenings in D.C. The color doesn't really go with any of my coats, but I don't really care!


Pattern: Fingerless Mitts from Weekend Knitting.
Yarn: Lana Grossa Cool Wool Big - less than 1 ball.
Needles: Sz 8 Clover circulars.
Dates: early December - Friday December 28.
Mods: none.
Thoughts: Great pattern. Easy, quick, useful. I see more of these in my future - in fact, hubbo has already requested his - in grey, of course!

I have more to say about our trip, and my year in review, and my future knitting "goals", but that will have to wait, as I'm trying to finish up one more FO for the year! Fingers crossed!

Holiday wrap-up

Happy Thursday! Hopefully by now, you have all recovered from your turkey/pie/gift/mess comas. I was lucky enough to finish all of my holiday knitting in time! Very quickly, I have some less-than-stellar photos to share with you.



Pattern: Generic sock over 72 stitches.
Yarn: Lana Grossa Bosco, not sure of the color number.
Needles: Size 2.25mm ChiaGoo DPNs
Mods: none
Dates: late November to Monday December 24.
Thoughts: I did not really enjoy the yarn. But the socks fit great!



Pattern: Seaman's Cap by Brenda Zuk at Needle Beetle.
Yarn: Mission Falls 1824 Wool - 1.5 balls
Needles: Sz US 7 Circular and DPNs
Mods: only 2" of ribbing, brim does not fold up.
Dates: mid December to Sunday December 23.
Thoughts: love the yarn. Glad this one fits.


Hubbo's sweater is also done - buttons and collar and all. Hopefully we'll get a FO shot for you this weekend in Washington, D.C.! We're off in the morning for a quick trip with lots of dorky museum and National Archives, and Library of Congress visiting. I'll have more on that and a bit of year-end wrap up coming soon!

Stick a fork in me

It's done. Up at 5:30 - all seamed up, and wrapped. I left the needle in the collar, since I don't know how long he'd like it, and it doesn't have buttons, since I thought he could pick those out. But it's done, for all Christmas purposes. I never thought I'd make it. Now I just need to finish my MIL sock. Wow. Done. Nice.

Pictures after he opens it. Have a great Christmas Eve. And, if your gifts aren't done, there are always gift cards, right?

No time

Collar? Done.
Buttonbands? Seamed.
Sleeves? One set in.
Sock? Heel turned, through the gusset.
Hat? Done.

It will be a Christmas miracle if this gets done. Must go to bed so I can get up at the crack of dawn.

Knit yourself an ornament if you need a last-minute gift. You know how to find the patterns on ravelry, right?

Close

I've gotten to the heel of the second MIL sock. Whew. Might be done. The shoulders are joined and the collar is started on hubbo's sweater. Must find some secret knitting time. There is more to talk about, but I'm beat.

If you find yourself with free time this weekend, why not knit your gift wrap? Try the drawstring bag, the the tree and rose bags and the wine bags are all super cute, and two gifts in one!

Off to sleep - we're lighting the advent candles at church tomorrow! Must get up early. Hopefully I'll have some seaming time!

Clogs times 2

Second verse, close to the first.

Pattern: Felted Clogs by Fiber Trends
Yarn: Ella Rae Classic (1 ball black) and Knitpicks Wool of the Andes (2 balls Mist, 3ish balls Coal)
Needles: Clover Sz 13 circulars
Dates: mid December - Wednesday December 19
Mods: none
Thoughts: they look too big, but I can always refelt them if needed.

I am very close to finishing hubbo's sweater - I have a few inches left on the second buttonband, then seaming and the collar. I really think it will be done. I also need to finish a hat and my MIL socks. But the house is clean, and I've been to the store, and my presents are all purchased, and the wrapping is done. I'll make more cookies this weekend for gifts, and work tomorrow, then relax. Relax. Ah.

A few more knits for you last-minuters. Dishcloths make a great gift - and they quick and easy! The ballband dishcloth is a big favorite, while the round dishcloth is one of my favorites, and the corner to corner is nice and easy.

Sweater update tomorrow!

One more day

of school. I can survive. Movie, caroling, party, clean. 8 more hours.

I did finish some clogs - picture tomorrow when they're dry. But if you are still whittling down the list, add some "home" knits as gifts. Hand towels are perfectly lovely, as are Felted Bowls. All of you environmental types can also knit your own lunch bag! (I totally want one of these!)


OK - really more exciting content this weekend. Really. Must go clean and sleep.

Ditto

Second verse, same as the first. No time to say much, no time to knit. Gah! But if you have time, and need a quick gift, why not a hat? Odessa is cute with or without beads. Fake Isle is one I've admired for a while, while Zee Bee appeals to my garter stitch side, and Calorimetry is quick and easy.

Ok. Off to knit.

Nothing

I got nothing. No pictures of knits in progress or finished. Nothing to say about my knits unless I say that I haven't gotten anything done since last night. I do have the second clog knit, now to knit two soles. Too bad we have another (unexpected) event tonight. Argh.

But for those of you who will be home, enjoy The Christmas Wish, A Christmas Carol, The Nutcracker, Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer, Rudolph's Shiny New Year, and Snowglobe (which kind of sucks, FYI).

While you're watching, if you need more knit ideas, whip up a pair of fingerless gloves. Try Fetching or Dashing. I also like the Endpaper Mitts and the Fingerless Mitts from Weekend Knitting. (I may have a pair of these hiding on the needles for me. For after Christmas, of course.)

Must think good, positive thoughts. Like how I'm going to stop sleeping and going to the gym in order to get some more knitting time.

Cute Baby Hats

Pattern: Inca Snowflake Hat from Itty Bitty Hats
Yarn: Um, not sure. The white is Debbie Bliss Wool Cotton
Needles: Sz 7 Clover circulars and DPNs
Mods: yarn sub, not as many snowflakes
Thoughts: very cute - a bit fiddly with the finishing, but cute.

So, late posting tonight due to all the busyness. So no movies, but a few patterns. Tonight it's all about the toys. Kate is awfully cute, Hedgehogs are a great use for fun fur, and dinosaurs are sure to please many kiddos.

No noticable sleeve difference tonight - trying not to panic.

14 inches

Of sleeve. That's what I got done today (and I finished the sleeve cap on the other sleeve). I think I can, I think I can. Hopefully I can finish up some little things tonight to get them out of the way.

I spent a lovely afternoon knitting sleeve and watching bad holiday movies. Really bad holiday movies. Let me just say that Holiday in Handcuffs was the highlight, which, if you've seen it, explains a lot.

But if you're not me, and you're up for more holiday movies, there are still some to choose from! Christmas at Water's Edge, A Diva's Christmas, The Road to Christmas, Meet me in St. Louis, The Nutcracker, Casper's Haunted Christmas, All I Want for Christmas and A Season for Miracles, plus your usual weekend movies.

Still need project ideas? It's go time, folks! How about a bag? Sophie is quick and easy, while Booga Bag is a bit roomier. And, for those of you who like complicated bags, try the Brea Bag (which I can't wait to make for me!).

Most of our holiday busyness is over - hubbo's Christmas program is tomorrow, and then we should have a quiet week until my family arrives on Saturday. Plenty of time to finish all the projects, do Christmas cards, make cookies and ornaments, wrap presents, finish decorating the house and cleaning.....send the elves. At least all the shopping is done! Woo Hoo!

Ok, can't spend any more time on the blog - must finish slippers!

Um, so not a gift

In lieu of any exciting progress pictures ('cause there isn't much progress to see), allow me to present a long hidden WIP - a sock for me!


I started these this fall, in an effort to get them finished for xmas. Ain't gonna happen though. But they're pretty, and they'll be finished maybe for Valentines Day!


Mittens not your thing? Need some scarf ideas? Why not try My So-Called scarf, a Noro scarf, or the One Row Scarf. Lovely, easy options. And someday I'll knit them all!

To aid your knitting tonight, there are quite a few options, Snowglobe, A Hobo's Christmas, A Dad for Christmas, Christmas in Paradise, and the Saturday Night Live Christmas. Plus a lot of other movies. Pretty exciting, eh? I *might* have tivoed Holiday in Handcuffs earlier today, so I'll report on that tomorrow. If I tivoed it.

I won't be knitting again tonight, since I have my xmas party to attend. But I'm almost done with the first sleeve, so hopefully I can finish it tomorrow and start the second. Send good thoughts!

Two does not a pair make

I have another clog done. Unfortunately, two done things (especially when one's a sock and one's a clog) do not make a FO. Damn.

Hopefully at least this one will have a mate this weekend.

It's cold here. And wet. And I know most of you are getting snow. So it's time for mittens! Anemoi is my current favorite (although those Bird in the Hand mittens are stunning. May have to have those soon.) For a little less work there is Corazon, and for even less there are Basic Mittens. Something for everyone.
Tonight it's the big one - It's a Wonderful Life is on! Crazy for Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Silver Bells are also in the lineup, as are lots of other non-holiday movies. if you're burned out.

I have a wild weekend of sleeve knitting, clog and sock knitting and (hopeful) hat finishing.

One down

One more to go.


Just a quickie again tonight, since I forgot we had the holiday program at school and I (again) wouldn't be home until late. But let's not forget the babies on our list! Try the Baby Surprise Jacket, Saartjes Bootees, a bib, or a cap. All super cute!

And now that I missed my knitting group tonight, I'm three more hours behind on my sleeve. Double crap.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

Um, ya'll know there's only two more weekends until Christmas? And I really only have one, since the fam will get here the Saturday before Christmas. Crap. When will I finish hubbo's sweater? Crap. Must knit faster.

One more gift done!

Pattern: Garter stitch over 15 stitches.
Needles: Sz 15 clover bamboo circs
Yarn: Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande - 1 skein
Dates: Friday December 7 - Tuesday December 11
Mods: n/a
Thoughts: Love the garter stitch in the lovely yarn. Oh so pretty, simple and warm. A sure winner!

Time to crank the gifts. Time for some speedy gifts. Speedy socks are my favorite kind, and these should zip right along. Monkey, Thuja and Log Cabin Socks should fly off your needles.

The TV pickings are slim again - I may retreat to the bedroom for some hubbo sweater knittin'. Wish me luck. And enjoy The Santa Claus (again), Grandma got run over by a Reindeer, The Ultimate Christmas Present, The Polar Express (again) and All I Want for Christmas.

2 weeks!

It's not time to panic - yet. There is still hope (there had better be, or I'm screwed!). 14 days is a long time. Hopefully I can finish my MIL socks before then, but it may be close.



Now that we've got the kids taken care of, what about the furry babies in your life? Surely they deserve a handknit gift too! I love the snuggly Kitty Pi, which hopefully I'll get to after the holidays. Also of note is Penny for the canine babies in your life. And my kitties love catnip mice! (so much so that I had to hide their presents in the tip top of the closet!)
The TV offerings are a bit slim, but hopefully you'll find something you enjoy! Shrek the Halls, Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too!, Miracle on 34th Street, Disney Holiday Magic, Billy and Mandy Save Christmas, Meet the Santas, and Holiday in Handcuffs (again!)

I had intended to write more, but I have a terrible sinus headache, so I"m going to beg off. We had a good time at the party last night, though I didn't get much knitting done! Time to make up for lost time!

Drive by

So, it is not yet a project, but it is possibility. Or it was, until this weekend, when I started a simple garter stitch scarf with it. Yum. Pictures of the scarfy goodness to come.

I'm in a bit of a hurry tonight, as I prepare to rush off to the yarn store holiday party (drinks and mexican food - huzzah!), so please forgive.

For knitting inspiration today, let's not forget the kids! Drive Thru works for girls and boys, while the Pinwheel Sweater is super cute. I know there are tons more kid's patterns, but we're all about the time folks. These two are quick and easy, while not being a plain old stockinette pullover.

While on the tube, you can enjoy The Road to Christmas, Snow Dogs, Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus, and I Want a Dog for Christmas Charlie Brown. Also, when is the darm writer's strike going to be over? The reruns are killing me! Thank cheese for sappy holiday movies - I don't know what I'll do in January!

More tomorrow, when I have more time!

Nice and cozy

It's cold here. Raining and yucky. I love it when it's like this on a weekend - snuggling up with my knitting, my furry babies and my tea (plus bad lifetime movies) make a great day. Here are my cute kitties all snuggled up on mom's lap. I know it's cold when Cocoa will share the lap with Otis.



And Otis can't be bothered with photo-shoots. He's too tired.


To keep hubbo's granddad's feet warm, I whipped up a pair of felted clogs.



Pattern: Felted Clogs from Fiber Trends
Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes - 3 balls red, 6 balls black.
Size: 13. Never again.
Needles: Sz 13 Clover bamboo circulars
Mods: none
Dates: summer sometime - December 6 2007. Felted December 8.
Thoughts: Sorry I didn't take a pre-felting picture - they were HUGE!


Since we're on a warm kick, I thought I'd share my warm gift ideas. the Felted Clogs are great, of course. Also nice and cozy are Hot water bottle covers (there are tons of different patterns), and Legwarms (also tons of patterns available).

On TV tonight - The Christmas Shoes, An Accidental Christmas, Santa Claus, A Christmas Carol, Holiday in Handcuffs (?), When Angels Come to Town and The Christmas Card. The girl and I are off to The Nutcracker though, so enjoy them for us - oh and the sock did get worked on at the movie last night - slowly but surely!

No longer a WIP

Today's project is soon to be no more. I'm not loving this scarf, and I've decided to rip it. Pretty exciting, eh?

Today's projects are even less work than a vest! We don't have time for no stinkin' sweaters, so shrugs are it! Some of my favorites are a One Skein Wonder, the Turtleneck Neck, and the Anthropologie Inspired Capelet, which is not really a shrug, but is cute!

For your TV viewing tonight, we've got The Santa Clause 2, The Polar Express, A Christmas Wedding, and Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Me? My MIL sock and I are off to see No Country for Old Men. See you tomorrow!

TGIF

Oy vey. Am I glad it's Friday.

Not much excitement today either - I'm just glad I survived the week with all of the members of my class still alive.

Today's project is a sock for hubbo - I started it several weeks ago, but I haven't gotten beyond the cuff. It isn't a high-stress gift, and probably won't be done in time for Christmas, but that's OK. I'm slightly irritated that the yarn is pooling, but I'm hoping it will stop after the cuff. We'll see.

I have the first pair of Felted Clogs ready for seaming and felting, so hopefully a FO tomorrow.

Tanks too cold for you? (Not here, were it was over 80 today. Sheesh.) How 'bout a vest? A ribwarmer would make a great gift, as would a Boogie vest, and for simplicity a leftovers vest is so cute!

On TV tonight we have Grandma got run over by a Reindeer, All I Want for Christmas, The Polar Express, and Elf. I think we're settled in for a long night of knitting. Woo Hoo!

Better late than never

Sorry it's so late tonight - I completely forgot that I wouldn't be home until after knitting. So a quickie -



My MIL's sock. Stuck in the heel flap. While this is nothing new for me, I have to get over it and get 'er done.

So a quick list - you're running out of time! You need a knit gift! Agh! You still have time for a tank - try Orangina for those of you who have lots of time, the Razor Cami for some pretty lace, and Sizzle for a little va-va-voom!

No movies tonight, since they're mostly over (but I'm watching the end of Christmas Vacation - one of my all-time favorites!).

More excitement tomorrow!

Some days are better than others

I do have two FOs today, but only one had the desired effect.

Pattern: Quick Hat from Y2Knit
Yarn: Mission Falls Superwash Wool - a bit less than a skein and a half.
Needles: Sz 7 Clover Bamboo circulars and DPNs
Dates: late last week to Tuesday December 4.
Mods: none
Thoughts: It is too small. Too freakin' small. It is squeezing hubbo's brains out in this picture and can't keep his ears warm. Solution? Give this one to the Neph and knit another gift, using my tried ant true Seaman's Cap pattern. Go with what you know. I wanted to try out a new pattern, branch out. I've made the Seaman's Cap about 8 times now. But I know it works. I shouldn't have tried to reinvent the wheel. Lesson Learned. And I only have to buy one skein of yarn to knit the second, since I have leftovers.


Pattern: Wool Noggins
Yarn: Lion Branch Landscapes - about a skein and a half.
Needles: Sz 10.5 Clover Bamboo DPNs
Dates: late last week to Tuesday December 4
Mods: I didn't do the picot cast-on or the garter edge. Whoops.
Thoughts: quick, warm, and with the partial acrylic content I don't think the recipient's mom will felt it.

I have hopes to finish off two more WIPs, but since I cast on th ending amount of stitches instead of the cast-on number for the second sole for my second slipper, I'm hoping the knitting gods are on my side. Fingers crossed.

Many of you asked if I have a schedule a la the Harlot for finishing my gifts. Nope. I just try to work on a few here and there, knit simple things while I read blogs, work in the morning in the car on the way to school, knit during the Girl's holiday program, etc. I find that my ADD helps in the xmas knitting frenzy - I work on 2-3 projects a night, and while I don't finish anything in one sitting, I also don't get too sick of my projects.

If I can find my Interweave Holiday Gifts, I'll be knitting some Garter Mug Cozies for office staff gifts. Must find it. 4 more gifts for the list.

But what should you knit? We're T-minus 3 weeks and counting, so It's time for smaller gifts. How 'bout Rusted Root, Picovoli and the Leaf tee top my list of favorites. Think how much faster the knitting will be without sleeves!

Tonight I'll be watching the Mavs with hubbo, but you all may enjoy these holiday treats. And I can't believe I missed Rudolph last night! Agh! Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, George Balanchine's Nutcracker, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.

OK - off to finish up these slippers and restart the hat!

3 weeks and counting

Palms sweaty yet? Short of breath? By now you should all have your holiday knitting list semi-planned out, if not finalized. I know I'll probably add things to it, but mine is pretty much set.

There are a fair number of smallish projects on that list - several hats.





A few of them are very close to being done, so I'm hoping to turn these all into FOs this week!


For your inspiration today, may I present the shawl? Shawls make a lovely gift, whether comfy or classy. My favorites include Clapotis, Icarus, and Cozy.

Tonight, to keep you entertained, may I offer, Snow, Santa Baby (both on ABC Family), The Legend of Frosty the Snowman, and The WEdding Planner (in case you're sick of Christmas movies already).

Whew! This is hard work! Don't worry - I have more up my sleeve to come!

Is it really December?

I knew that it was December. I'd posted twice. I'd thought about the Christmas countdown. But it wasn't until I wrote the date on the board in my room that I really KNEW it was December. Boy, was that a rude awakening!



Today's WIP is a FO!


Pattern: Diagonal Rib scarf from Misti Alpaca
Yarn: Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande - 1 skein
Needles: Sz 15 Clover circulars
Mods: none, besides larger needle.
Thoughts: relatively quick and easy and oh-so-warm!


What's up for today's project list? Blankets! Snuggle up with your knitting by casting on Log Cabins for mindlessness, Hemlock Ring Blanket for those who want a challenge, and Ripple Afghan for those crocheters out there.
If you really want your blanket to go fast, double up that yarn! Really, I think this is a great gift - keep yourself warm and finish your gift knitting!
I still have grand plans to someday soon finish the girl's log cabin blanket - maybe after Christmas.


Tonight, for your viewing pleasure - The Closer special 2 hour event (what I'll be watching! that and Heroes!), Father of the Bride 2, Bolshio Ballet Nutcracker, The Year with out a Santa Clause, and Silver Bells. Whew! I need more TiVo space!

For the lady in your life

Today it's all about the ladies. For myself, for Christmas (though there's no way it'll get done in time) I'm knitting Bristow.


Here she is, up to the armholes. I've been working on her in pieces, as I have time, and need stockinette and can't work on hubbo's sweater in front of him.

What about the lady in your life? Doesn't she need a sweater? How about Hourglass, Wicked, Ariann, or Bristow?

Get started now, to finish in time!

If you need more gift ideas, the lovely folks at Garnstudio have put together an advent calendar of knitted gift patterns for us! See it here.

For your viewing pleasure tonight, there is a plethora of choices. Ion is showing The Night They Saved Christmas and A Christmas Memory, Ovation is showing Matthew Bourne's Nutcracker, Disney is showing Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas, TCM is showing The Shop around the Corner, and Lifetime has a few cheesy Christmas movies to choose from. Or, there's always football!

I've done little knitting today, as I tried to get the decorations up (some are up, the outside lights are done, the tree is up, but naked. And the advent calendar isn't done. We may be a few days behind - I'll live. I do have one of the fronts done for hubbo's sweater though! Three pieces and a buttonband/collar to go!

Off to the girl's xmas musical at church - she's playing a "rapping mouse!" Pictures to come!

24 days

While many of you have just completed NanBloPoMo (whatever it's called), I think November is overrated. I totally have time to blog every day in November, I just choose not to. What I don't have is time to blog every day before Christmas, so that's what my challenge is. Every day. A post. And in order to make myself work even harder, I won't just post a picture. Or a line about how busy I am. No. I have A PLAN.

Every day I'll share one of my WIP gifts, and help you finish off your list with a project suggestion that could be finished before xmas (those of you who celebrate Hanukkah, well, you're out of luck on this one. That's way too soon for me! Good luck!). And, in an effort to get us all to knit faster, I'll try to throw in a few TV recommendations to speed that knitting along.

My first suggestion? Get the house cleaned and the decorations up today. Do it, get it done, and then enlist your slaves husband/wife/child to keep up with the cleaning. You should also get your holiday cards done this weekend. Think about how much that is to cross off your list! Woo Hoo!


On to the knitting - for your enjoyment today, may I present the finished back of Hubbo's xmas sweater. It is too big to fit into this little picture (20 inches from underarm to hip. 20 inches.), but it is done. I'm onto the first front, and I'm hoping to knit a piece a week in order to get it all done.

Those of you who haven't started your holiday knitting, or are in desperate need of ideas, today's suggestions are for men's sweaters: Jarrett, Cambridge Jacket, and Cobblestone. Two cardigans and a pullover. All relatively plain, in an effort to speed your knitting, and please the man in your life (who, if he's anything like my man, loves plain. Hubbo doesn't even like the Cobblestone pullover. Too fussy.).

Get thee some worsted weight yarn, and get started!

Tonight, for your viewing pleasure, NBC is kindly presenting the Rockettes in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas Special. Their high kicks should inspire you to knit that much faster! If that's not your cup of tea, ABC Family (with their 25 days of Christmas, one of my favorite things about the holidays!) is showing the first two Harry Potter movies today.

GOOD LUCK!