As the year ends, I am once again . . .so relieved that my Christmas knitting is over. Every year I say I'm not going to do this to myself, and every year I do it again. I guess I'm just a "glutten for punishment". However, I did finish on December 21, so there was plenty of time for enjoying the season. A lot of sickness this year limited the partying that took place.
In addition to the 24 pairs of felted slippers (seen in a previous post), I also knit the following:
It was completed back in November, but because it was a Christmas Gift, the pattern was not published until last week. If you are interested in purchasing the pattern, or just reading more about it, it can be found at: Emery Tank. It is knit out of my favorite yarn right now, Fyberspates Scrumptious in the color, Cornflower. Alex was so excited to get it.
Alex was also the recipient of my second "Cabled Embrace". She loved my green one, and requested this one in a light-heathered gray.
This is such a fun pattern to knit, as it is knit sideways, in two simple pieces, and then seamed up the back. I was too lazy to do the kitchener's stitch and simply used a 3-needle bind off. I thought it gave the design a nice finished look.
In addition, I knit my husband a sweater from Bruce Wienstein and Jared Flood's Book, "Knits Men Want". A fabulous collection of men's knitwear patterns, that like the title indicates, MEN WANT. It is always a challenge to find knitwear patterns that men actually like. I've knit several sweaters from this book, and these sweaters are always worn often. In addition to the great knitting patterns, Bruce talks about why men are so picky about their knitwear. His stories are great! Bruce is a trained Chef and Jarod a professional photographer, so the pictures are great too.
I started this sweater back in 2007, and as it is knit in Fisherman's Rib and because my husband wears such a large size, it was quickly set aside for Christmas knitting. I was happy to pick it up again this year, and to actually be able to complete it, although it weighs about 30 lbs. and was a challenge the lug around. My husband loves it, but I haven't been able to get him to pose for any pictures. Hopefully, I'll have some to share soon.
I also made 5 of these "Pillow Pads" for my Grandchildren to take to sleep-overs. I was inspired by Pinterest.
Made from a twin size sheet and 4 standard pillows, they make a great place for the kids to lay when watching TV.
The pads accordian fold and are secured with an attached ribbon, for easy transport to Grandma's house, and since I was able to purchase matching pillowcases, I added a 5th pillow to go along with them. My daughter and daughter-in-law are talking about making them for use in a tent, when camping. I think this is a great idea. When the kids spill on them, they pillows can easily be removed and everything tossed in the washing machine and dryer. We have already tried this out, since the kids were all sick this year.
Although they did consume some space in the minivan, on the long trip home from Grandma's house. . . . and yes, that is a bike wedged between the girl's two carseats. Nola was plumb worn out and was having a much needed nap!
Well Christmas is over, and I have cast on for two new projects. Another "Laura Leaves Tank", which was given as a gift in the form of two hanks of yarn, and darling little yellow baby blanket for my Grand-daughter, who is due to arrive on May 21. That will make 6 (4 girls & 2 boys). Could life be any better? I'll have pictures of these projects in my next post.
Happy New Year . . . & Happy New Knitting!
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