Friday, December 30, 2011

Christmas is Done!

Woo hoo! I finally have officially finished my Christmas knitting! The only outstanding present was Dan's hat, which only became a present (versus just a random knit gift) because of timing, but since it worked out, I'm totally counting it as an additional Christmas present for him.

I actually finished it a couple of days ago, but I had to block it and I don't call things officially done until it is dry from blocking. The blocking finished it off nicely - it made the decreases around the crown oh so sharp and pretty. Which is good because those crown decreases were a big pain in the rear. It seemed like I had to pull those stitches so tight just to keep them from gapping. Which leaves me feeling a bit torn about the pattern in general - kind of a pain to make, but really sharp results. See?

The Weekend Side
"Weekend" Side

The Work Side
"Work" Side

Since it's reversible, it's got a bit of a multiple personality thing going on. Dan says the side with all the orange is his fun, weekend side and the mostly gray side is the more mature, work-appropriate side.

He's actually wearing it right now as he hangs out in the living room. I think that means he likes it.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

How Did This Happen?

I am not one to give handmade presents - crochet, knit, whatever. Even the simplest project takes hours of work and, unless the recipient is involved in pattern and yarn selection, there is just too much of a chance of the hours of work going unappreciated. And nothing is more heartbreaking than so much time and love going into something that is unwanted or receives just a lukewarm response. So yes, I'm a selfish crafter.

I have made a number of things for Dan (like this and this) but they've never been a surprise to him. Instead, we select the pattern and yarn together. Sometimes that's frustrating (Dan researches things a lot before making a choice, even yarn, and I tend to be more quick deciding) but at least it results in projects that I know will be loved by someone else in addition to me.

Of course, all that being said, I somehow managed to knit something for everyone on my Christmas list this year. Sigh.

Mug Cozy  Chicken!
Christmas Hunting Warmth  Mom's Reversible Cable Scarf  Fingerless Mits
FIL's Hat  Dan's Hat

I'm not exactly sure how that happened!

That last picture, though, is a hat I made for Dan (yes, we picked out the hat and yarn for this one together) and it wasn't finished until today. It's pretty nifty - it's reversible!

Dan's Reversible Hat

I still have to block it but I'm quite pleased with how it turned out.

Of course, all that Christmas knitting was why I haven't been posting much about what I've been working on. But radio silence has been broken so yay!

Next up: fingerless mittens for me, a pillow and a sweater!