Holiday gifts

I think now that it is officially January, I am safe posting some holiday gifts. I knitted pretty hard this year, but since almost all of it was for gifts... well. I would like to note that my only resolution (besides drink more water, which I try and fail at every year) is to knit for myself. I have only one sweater that I knitted myself, although I do have lots of scarves and hats. I just give everything away. So this year? The year of Me. At least until August, when the holiday gifts start up again.

Either way, here's the pictures you've been waiting for with bated breath.. hah.

First up is the Menorah pillow I knitted for my Dad for Chanuka. The pattern is from Handknit Holidays, and the yarn is the KnitPicks Wool of the Andes. I needed *way* more yarn than called for... because it was an enormous pillow. Who cares about gauge? The Ikea pillow form was perfect.



Next is the Christmas Stocking for my sister. Heather converted... well that's a long story. So anyways, I tried to be a supportive big sister. Besides, she was using a DOG's stocking- it may have been pink, but it was possibly the ugliest little stocking ever. Now she is rocking the high-class fair isle! Yarn is also Wool of the Andes, and the pattern is a little leaflet on Make-Your-Own stockings. If I'm good later I'll look up the title- I purchased it in a yarn store in Bloomington, Indiana and haven't seen it since. Too bad, cutest pattern ever!


Also, check out the stocking before doing the afterthought heel. That is a really entertaining concept, I have to tell you.


Dad's pillow was actually the most time-consuming project, mainly because I can be a real idiot and managed to sew the back on backwards the first time. It's all i-cord edging, so that was exciting. On the plus side, I did a better job sewing it together the second time. But in terms of the most enjoyable project, I'd go with Mom's shawl. Everything I knitted this fall was fun, but I couldn't get enough of her shawl! I would try and go back to knitting something else and fail, simply unable to stop knitting the easy lace pattern. It's the Adamas pattern from KnitPicks, in KnitPicks Shadow. The color looks true in the photos, and it only required two skeins. I am economical! I know I posted the picture already, but until I can get one of my Mom wearing it...


I also completed the Clapotis shawl (from Knitty) for my dearest friend Sharyn. There's definitely a purple theme this holiday season! The yarn is a really neat one from Dark Horse- acrylic for my vegan friend, but soft and cozy. I already posted this picture as well. So much for new and exciting!

Sadly, that's all there is for now. I am working on a second Adamas shawl- this time I think I'll keep it for me. It's the flame-kissed oranges and reds handpainted silk from the show in Virginia, and I'm trying to decide if I can get away with wearing orange. Hoping to finish that by Saturday, so I can wear it over a little black cocktail dress to the work holiday party. I also began a sweater for myself, with the yarn set aside for another one to follow. Both are work appropriate, so here's to finishing them in time to wear them this spring to the office.

Hurray for knitting! And the year of knitting for me!

As a sidenote, my little Handknit by Mikaiya business is picking up. I did my first craft fair and sold a kitty hat and a scarf on the spot, as well as orders for two more scarves and another hat. I also sold six kitty hats at the last few anime conventions through my costuming friends. Fantastico! Now I need to knit up some more inventory...