It's hot, humid and sticky . . .

and nothing says Christmas like "hot, humid and sticky". No?? You're right, Christmas would normally be the farthest thing from my mind right now. But luckily, I've been keeping up with my Holiday Headstart KAL knitting, and last month I finished two more gifts for December 25th. You can find an admittedly bad picture of the first one here, but that's all I'll say. I don't want the recipient to come over and see it before Santa has a chance to deliver it!

The second gift is for my cousin's daughter Alexis, and since there is no chance she would ever stumble across my blog, I can post about it right here.

Amanda's Squatty Sidekick
Cast On: 21 June 2007
Completed: 1 July 2007
Yarn: Lambs Pride Worsted in Lotus Pink
Needles: Knit Picks US 10.5 24" circs

After my first failed attempt, I was glad to find I could actually knit this! It was a quick knit (especially the second time around) and the felting was a lot of fun. Here is the obligatory pre- and post-felting comparison. The rubber ducky I've included for size is a gift from Alexis's grandfather, my uncle. He used to call me "Quack Quack" when I was little, complete with a little tickle on each "quack". He gave me the rubber ducky on Christmas Eve a few years ago, just so I wouldn't forget.

I would definitely knit this again. In fact, I have to, for the recipient's sister, Aleena. Alexis and Aleena are the same age, so I always give them similar gifts for Christmas. (I'll have to remember to include the Bride and Groom rubber duckies in that photo shooty. My uncle gave those to me and Pea at our wedding !)

I have to admit, it feels really good to have six hand-knit Christmas gifts already tucked away. I even have the seventh on the needles. Hurray for advanced planning - it's a whole new concept for me!