Cheesy O

Cheesy O, originally uploaded by Kitschy Stitch.

It's been so long since I've been a responsible blogger, that I'm slightly embarassed. O's winter sweater is done, and in use, and there is lots of gift knitting going on right now. I've given myself permission to NOT give knitted gifts this year if they're not all done in a timely manner or if it gets to the point that I'm not enjoying the knitting of them. Part of the greatness of a knitted gift is putting time aside for the recipient, and adding in pleasant thoughts with each stitch. It seems ridiculous to gift a mitten that has resentment, stress, and anxiety knit into it. We'll see how goes it. And hey, if I don't get all the gifts done this year, I'll be way ahead of the game for the 2010 holiday season! :)

I can't really give too many details on the gifts I'm knitting, since most of the giftee's read this, but I'll update with photos after they've arrived in their new homes. I finished a stocking for the mantle using the Universal Classic Worsted Holiday - It's a very basic acrylic and wool that has some tinsel like threads running through it. It comes in white, green, red, blue, and black. It was easy to knit with, and gives a little bit of holiday cheer to the stocking without looking overboard in the glitz department. O's fairisle stocking is going well. I finally have the colors all to my liking (I think...) and now there's just the stumbling block of not wanting to knit it for the 7th time to get over.

If you're looking for any gift ideas, I can offer some help. Come check out the 3 lovely stocking patterns in stock here; one basic, one cabled, and one with colorwork. I just received "Fiber and Fabric Mania!" a travel guide of yarn AND quilt shops across the country. It would make a great gift for your favorite roadtrip pal, or wanderer. I have some lovely new cashmere yarn on sale - Charmed by Classic Elite is a gorgeous blend of 85% cashmere, and 15% mohair that knits up at 4.5 sts/inch. Get 130 yards for just $21! Another lovely luxury yarn which recently arrived is Kumara by Classic Elite - 85% merino, 15% baby camel. 4.5 sts/inch, 128 yards/ball for just $11.50. There's a pattern for some lacy bed socks in the new Holiday Knits magazine which uses 2 balls of the Kumara. I've already cast on, and am really enjoying working with the yarn. "Knit Noel" is another great book that is available here. Over 55 patterns for gift giving, including a felted gingerbread man puppet, a chunky cabled scarf, and a tree skirt. (Guess who's already plotting an army of gingerbread puppets) The book is a steal at just $10 - that's like paying under 18cents per pattern.

We're starting a new KAL here soon, and I'll notify everyone about that within a week or so.

Happy Stitching,
Allison