OK, y’all. I got one done! And it didn’t even take all that long. (In hours of work time, anyway. In days/weeks of calendar time, that’s a different story.)
It turned out super cute, even though the top is a little different from the one I made myself- I’m not sure exactly what happened there, but I guess that’s what happens when you don’t use a pattern… or notes…
I think the big kid is going to like it!
But here’s the big question: it’s only a couple short weeks until Christmas- will I have time to make a second for the little kid? Or will they get a nice “New Year’s Hat” instead? Fingers crossed.
When’s the last time you had to race against the calendar to get a project done?
So, my blanket continues to grow, and it continues to look exactly the same, so instead of giving you an update on my progress, I figured we’d go look at patterns on Ravelry, and you can help me pick out my next project.
It’s almost a month until Christmas, which means I should have finished any holiday knitting by now (or at least started it), but I haven’t. I’m not going to even attempt any big projects at this point- I’m not going to stress myself out that much. But I have been thinking about making a little something for the kids. Specifically, some a little doll or stuffed animal. Maybe a pair of almost-matching little guys for them to keep. (Not that they need more stuffies- we have baskets full, and they’re almost never played with.)
So, I need your help! I’ve got it down to four patterns, but I can’t decide which I like best. I’d love your input:
Mini Boy Bunny and Bear by Julie Williams of Little Cotton Rabbits. I’ve loved her patterns for years, but have never gotten around to making one of them. Pros for this pattern: Super cute, could make “fraternal twins” for the kids, they’re a perfect size for little hands. Cons: I shudder to think at all the ends in these little guys.
Butterfly & Cocoon by Susan B. Anderson. Another classic stuffed toy pattern. I love the goofy little wings, and the tiny little sleeping-bag cocoons. I know my 3-year-old would be beside himself if he saw this guy, but I also know that he’d need us to put that cocoon back on him about a million and a half times. And I don’t know if I want to do that.
Bebe Bunny by Amanda Buckley. These little guys are just so perfect and sweet. Honestly, they look like something out of a Pottery Barn catalog. Which generally isn’t the vibe my kids go for. If I was making these toys based on aesthetics alone, I’d be tempted to go with these little guys, but if I’m being honest, they might not get a ton of play.
Teddy Boo and Friends by Claire Fairall Designs. Finally, these guys are just the goofiest little stuffies I ever did see. I mean, c’mon. Look at them. They’re so silly. I like that they’re pretty simple, and that I could make two different animals, instead of just changing the color.
But, yeah. They’re all super cute, and if I’m being honest, they’d probably all about the same amount of play (which is to say none, because they’re not trucks). Which would you do?
Have you got any holiday knitting going this year?
It’s early, as I write this from the past (ooohh!), but it’s never too early to be thinking about Christmas. Especially if you’ve got plans to knit for Christmas. And boy, howdy, do I have plans.
Well, plan.
Just one. I’ve given up knitting Christmas gifts, because… well… it’s a lot of work, it’s stressful, and I just don’t wanna. Sure, I might make a pair of Christmas socks or a particularly special Christmas sweater from time to time, but I’m not doing the whole “everyone on my list gets a pair of mittens” thing this year. (And not just because we have a new member of the family this year.)
But I love a tradition, and one tradition we have is hanging stockings by the fireplace. We haven’t really filled them ever, but I love how they look, just as decorations, and I kind of love making them.
Plus, since our older kid and our dog both have stockings, it would probably be unfair if the baby was stocking-less.
So, I’ve dug the stockings out of storage, and re-ordered more Cascade 220 (thank goodness I actually kept the yarn tags from the last time I made a stocking, or I wouldn’t have had any idea about what shades of green and red to buy), and set to work knitting up a stocking for the little one.
Of course, I never took decent notes or wrote up an actual pattern, so I’m kind of guessing/using an old stocking as a general template. It’s simple enough for the leg of the stocking, but we’ll just have to see how it turns out… I really don’t remember how I did the heel…
And, while you read this, the baby will probably be born already (if there’s any justice in the world, anyway… I’m still a month+ out from my due date as I type this, and let’s just say, I’m ready to move on to the next phase of this thing), and should have a name. But, for now, I’m leaving the name blank, and will go in later with a little red yarn and duplicate-stitch in the letters.
It’s going to be so weird having 5 stockings hung up this year! (Assuming I can figure out the heel turn on this thing…)
Have you ever tried to re-create a project years after you made the first version? How did it go?
It’s Christmas Eve. You should be listening to carols, nibbling on cookies and generally relaxing while soaking in the Christmas-y vibes. But, if you’re like most knitters (me included- I decided a couple days ago that I had plenty of time to knit just one present, because I’m a little bit of an idiot), you’re probably stressing yourself out, trying to power through that last few inches of scarf or finish up the ribbing on that sweater.
I’m here to give you permission to stop.
You’re allowed to put your knitting down if it’s stressing you out. You’re allowed to help your grandma make cookies or drink a cup of mulled wine with your uncle. You can go play bingo with your nieces and nephews or make a snowman with your siblings.
Don’t hole yourself up, hiding as you finish your last few gifts. Your family will understand if they don’t get a totally finished gift on Christmas morning. (There’s no shame in wrapping a half-finished project, still on the needles.)
And if they give you trouble, just hand them this permission slip from the big man himself. It’ll totally get you out of any trouble you might find yourself in.
Print yourself off a Permission Slip, and go find yourself a plate of cookies and a glass of eggnog. Relax, and have yourself a Merry Christmas (or just a really nice Tuesday, if you’re not a Christmas person).
You’ve fought a tough battle. You’ve spent your winter (and probably a good chunk of your fall) working on your Christmas knitting. It’s now time to rest.
If you’re an amazing go-getter, maybe you’re already done. You can wrap up your gifts, pour yourself a nice glass of eggnog and take a nice Christmas nap, knowing that you’ve completed everything you need to do.
If you’re a human being, you’ve probably got a pile or two of half-finished projects still hanging around.In that case, I’ve got a little poem for you to use on Monday morning, explaining what’s happened.
An Apology
Rudolph has his reindeer
And Santa has his elves.
There’s only one of me, alas
Just knitting by myself.
I tried to get everything done
And bind off all my rows,
But Christmas comes just when it comes
And that’s my source of woe.
I haven’t finished up your scarf.
Your sweater has one sleeve.
I haven’t completed your present
Though it’s late on Christmas Eve.
I beg of you forgiveness.
Let me knit the last few rows.
As soon as your gift is bound off,
I’ll deliver it wrapped with a bow.
And, I’ve made it into a nice, printable format, so you can print it out tonight, wrap it up and give yourself the weekend off.
It’s almost time! You’re almost there! You can do it!
You’ve got until Monday morning to finish all your Christmas Knitting! That’s five whole days!
And, heck, if you don’t make it, it’s no big deal, really. Christmas will come either way, whether your presents make it or not (isn’t that the moral of How the Grinch Stole Christmas?) I’m a big believer in doing what you can, then letting go of the rest. I love a good plan, I love big ideas and lofty goals, but there comes a point in every holiday season when you just have to shrug, and go “good enough.”
BUT WE’RE NOT THERE YET!
Go! Knit like the wind! Weave in ends like a champ! Block like there’s no tomorrow!
You! Have! Got! This!
Ollie believes in you!What are you finishing up this week? (Or are you being lazy like me, and skipping the Christmas knitting entirely?)
Hi guys! How’s your holiday season shaping up? We’ve got less than a week until Haunnukah begins, about two weeks until my brother’s birthday, and just under three weeks until Christmas. (What? You don’t celebrate my brother’s birthday, too?!)
How is your gift preparation going? Are you furiously knitting away, or are you already planning on wrapping up a half-finished scarf for your mom this year? I’m keeping it super low-key this year, and the few gifts I’m knitting for people have already been finished. Actually, I’m mostly just diving into my Finished Object Stash for knitted gifts this year.
It’s lucky that I decided to take it easy on my knitting this year, though, because it turns out I have a new work knitting project that’s due just after the new year. So, I’ve definitely got my hands full this winter.While I don’t have a lot of specifically Christmas-themed knitting, I do have a TON of baking I still have to do yet. And, unfortunately, you can’t really get your baking done that early. So, I guess I’ll have my hands full (and covered in butter and flour) from next week through Christmas.
I think I’m OK with that- there’s nothing more festive than spending the day (or the week) filling up your house with a half-dozen types of Christmas cookies.
I’m feeling much better today (thanks for all the advice!), and hopefully I’ll keep up the streak of no-headaches for a while.
It’s cool (40s and 50s) and rainy outside, and the leaves are all changing. So, obviously it’s the time for me to start making my Christmas plans!What? You’re not a total Type-A planner like me? Crazy!
Usually, I plan out Christmas gifts (and really, Christmas Knitting) super early- like, over the summer early. But, I’ve decided to do something truly shocking this year.
I’m. Not. Knitting. Anything.
I swear!
(OK, I am making one small gift because it was specifically requested, and I made a promise.)
Every year I spend months knitting at top speed to make it to December 25th- I make sweaters, I make socks, I make mittens and hats and stockings. And, they totally stress me out.
This year, I’ve got a bunch of work knitting that’s keeping me busy, and really, I just want to sit back, relax, drink some peppermint cocoa and enjoy the holiday season. (And maybe selfishly make myself a few dozen more Christmas Balls.)That’s not to say that no one will be getting knit gifts. You remember my stash of finished objects, right? There’s nothing to say that someone won’t be receiving a nice scarf that I worked up in March, or a pair of socks from January. I’ve got people in mind for a bunch of my finished projects, and I’m sure they’ll be excited to get them. And, for people that aren’t getting anything knitted… well, that’s what shopping is for!
I’m just excited that I’m not going to have to worry about knitting my fingers to the bone, racing the clock (and Santa) to get everything done before Christmas!
Do you have any big plans for your holiday/Christmas knitting?
I know I just made a post on Friday about how great it is that fall is finally here, but I’ve got bad news for you guys.
It’s officially 3 months until Christmas. Start panicking.It doesn’t seem right that it’s so close, but I’ve checked and re-checked the calendar. And, well, it’s 3 months away.
So, if you’re planning on doing any Christmas Knitting, now’s the time to get cracking. (And I’d better increase my production of Christmas Balls if I’m going to have that red-and-white tree I was hoping for.)
(Also, if you’re making Mary Berry’s Christmas Cake, now’s also the time to start collecting your ingredients. I’m having the darndedst time finding mixed peel this year. I wonder if Whole Foods has it stocked already?)
On the Needles 