Christmas Circles Quilt

A few weeks ago, I saw this pin and I knew what I wanted to make for Ellie's Christmas quilt. I had been wanting to use some of Ann Kelle's Jingle line and wanted a design that would show off the relatively large prints. (You can see progress on this quilt here and here).



I finished it up about a week and half ago. I quilted lines 1/4" away from the seams on both sides. Nice and simple to not distract from the circles! I bound it using a blue and white snowflake print that I found in the remnant bin at JoAnn's. I don't have a picture of the backing, but I used a large print that has Christmas lights on it and some scraps to bring it up to size (penguins and wreaths). One of the scraps is actually a vintage print that I inherited somehow. The white background is Kona White.

It turned out pretty cute and every kid who sees it has fun 'finding' all the cute prints on it.

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!