Children of Winter
Top: "FAN-tastic Scarf" - Crochet, Patons Soy Wool StripesBottom: Garter and Drop Stitch Scarf - Knit, Dive' by Vernasco Italy
I thought Christmas was OVER! It seems many of my friends (and husband) have January and early February birthdays. Argh! I'm still knitting and crocheting gifts. One of my co-workers was born on December 26th. For years Aileen received combo-presents for both Christmas and her birthday. When you're a little girl, this seems very unfair. Aileen is smart. She moved her birthday celebration to January 26th!
So, I'm still cranking out scarves, wristys, hats, handbags and neckwarmers for the Children of Winter. I think my new gift strategy will be to knit and crochet scarves and other small items all year long. I will stow them away in a duffle bag. Hopefully, I will have gifts galore to choose from when a birthday comes around. What's your solution for handmade birthday gift deadlines?
Labels: yarny stuff
posted by Ellen Bloom @ 4:18 PM
11 Comments:
Yeah, YOU will probably succeed in this strategy. I, on the other hand, will continue to gimp along, turning in all assignments late, hoping that the recipient will understand. Sigh.
Well played, Aileen, tho.
Fan-tastic scarf is very pretty - and geez, that Patons SWS works for just about everything! I have got to try that yarn.
Actually, I should knit ahead and store a variety of scarves for the b-days, and baby items for the showers (we have tons of those) but I don't. That would be just too smart. I just have a few tried and true fast patterns and then when the occasion comes along I cast on and knit like a maniac!
I used to have a bag full of scarves, etc. for people. Of course, then everyone that year or two got a scarf and I was stuck. Then I hit upon crocheting up some really nice and easy jewelry and keeping that on hand. Worked really well (Crochet Me had a really nice pattern about a year and a half ago...)
Goodness, a plan? You're asking if I have a plan? I'm such a knit/crochet slacker that I hardly ever make gifts except for baby gifts...and I usually crochet a blanket close to when the baby is born (when hopefully I know what color his/her room is). If people ask me to make them something, I do so throughout the year; I find holiday knitting stressful, and could never do it to such a great degree as you! You're to be commended that your generous streak is continuing into the new year!
I've been going nuts knitting hats. I'm making some for a friend of mine who is going through chemo right now. But I can't stop!! Berets, stocking caps, you name it!
Your fan scarf looks terrific. Love the colors.
What a great idea to have a gift stash! I can't get ahead enough to do this, so I tend to try to keep my own expectations small. The scarves are beautiful!
To be honest, I got into such a habbit of knitting constantly the 2 months before Christmas that I can't stop. I've tried. And then the needles jump back into my hands. Its a problem.
So yes, I've been knitting scarves, hats, purses, etc...immediate gratification sorts of projects and putting them away to give as gifts later.
That FAN-tastic Scarf you do is still my favorite. I love all the different color combinations you've been making.
The scarves are so pretty! You do lovely work!
I just finished the "boyfriend" scarf I was working on at New Year's...I'm kind of slow. But now it's off to SF to grace my son's gf's neck, and keep her warm.
My solution to deadlines is not to give handmade knits as gifts for a particular event. Mostly I gift to people who have expressed an interest in having one thing or another. I've been highly disappointed on those gifts that I've given as "surprises". Turns out people don't necessarily want my lovely knits!!
In the last year I've gifted two crocheted earflap hats (from SnB book); one scarf; 3 pairs of cabled wristys. Not a huge list, but all were appreciated.
To even attempt knitted holiday gifts, I have to start in January.
Gorgeous scarves Ellen ~ I especially love the one with the fans.
I usually prefer to make jewellery for gifts ~ I can make a pretty necklace or a bracelet in an hour or so. I save the crochet items for friends and family that understand and appreciate how long it takes me to create something...and who don't mind getting their gifts late!
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