Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Good-bye 2008

Here we sit, on the cusp of a brand new year. Many people like to look back over the past 366 days (it was a leap year, remember?) and do a little recap. But as I type, my stuffy head and scratchy throat seem very fitting. For me, 2008 was a pretty crappy year. Not to say it was all bad, but a lot of it was and ending it with an icky head cold seems fitting. So instead of doing an end-of-year recap, I've decided to end the year by blogging my completed Christmas knitting. Look for two more Christmas projects in early 2009 - since poor Pea's gifts are still on the needles.

First up, a scarf for my mom.

Dangling Leaves Scarf
Cast On: 22 November 2008
Completed: 11 December 2008
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted - Vetiver
Needles: US8 (5mm) Addi Circ
This gift was quite a special knit for me. While we were in Louisiana for my uncle's funeral, my family humored me with a trip to The Yarn Nook, which was less than a mile from our hotel. While there, my mom spotted this scarf, which was knit up as a shop sample, and commented several times on how pretty it was and how much she liked it. At the time I barely reacted (to make her think I wasn't listening), but as soon as I got home I set about finding the pattern. Thanks to the wonders of Ravelry, I found it was a Yarn Nook shop pattern and soon after I was knitting it up for mom. Although our trip was a sad one, I hope the scarf always brings her warm and comforting thoughts of her brother.

Next up was a gift for my god-son Zach. He's now 8 years old, so I thought he might be past the knitted stuffed animal phase. My best friend said he'd love a hat, so I whipped this up in his favorite color, BLUE.

Cast on: 24 December 2008
Completed: 25 December 2008
Yarn: Lion Wool - Midnight Blue and Patons Classic Wool - Wedgewood
Needles: US6 (4mm) and US7 (4.5mm) DPNs
This was such a fun pattern! I can see myself knitting many more of these as gifts for next Christmas. I only cast on 80 stitches and increased to 88, hoping it would fit Zach's head. It was a perfect fit, and he seemed really happy with it.

Last up, a gift for Zach's brother. Camden is 2 1/2, which means I can still get away with knitting toys for him for a few years. This year, I chose Sheldon.

Cast On: 20 November 2008
Completed: 6 December 2008
Yarn: Classic Elite Four Seasons - Green Print
Brooks Farms Four-Play
Needles: US5 (3.75mm)
I freaking love this pattern!!! So cute!
The Classic Elite yarn I used for the body was won in the very first blog contest I ever entered! It's just perfect for Sheldon. In fact, he knit up so cutely, I have to admit I thought about just buying a gift for Camden and keeping Sheldon for myself. That's not really in keeping with the Christmas spirit though, is it? So Sheldon has been gifted. Luckily, I think I have enough yarn left over to eek out my own Sheldon, if I use a different yarn for part of the shell.

That wraps up my Christmas knitting (so far) and my last post of 2008. I hope you all have a wonderful and safe night, and that all your dreams come true in 2009!

13 comments:

Qutecowgirl said...

Here is to 2009 with wishes of a healthier year for both of us =)

btw have you seen the Sheldon kits over at knit picks they have outfits!!! I so want to get myself them =) My kids maybe too old for stuffies but I am not =)

Marissa said...

Very nice gifts! I especially like the sentiment attached to your Mother's scarf.
Happy New Year to you all!

Julie said...

Feel better soon and Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

You are a prolific knitter! I hope you feel better soon. Have a Happy New Year.

Sonya said...

I didn't think 2008 was all that great either. Hope you are feeling better soon! Very sneaky to make your mom think you weren't paying attention. It's a lovely scarf. Sheldon is so cute. I may have to make myself one. Happy New Year, Karen!!

Jennifer said...

What wonderful Christmas knits! I hope you have a very happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Happy New Year!

Zonda said...

Love the scarf, hat and Sheldon! :) Here's to a great 2009 for us all!

AmyArtisan said...

What a wonderful story about the scarf for your mom - I'm sure it will bring her many a hug at just the moment that she needs one! :)

knitseashore said...

What a lot of Christmas knitting! I love the story behind your Mom's gift. I'm sure she will treasure the scarf.

Here's hoping you feel better soon, and 2009 is much better!

kathy b said...

Oh the frog is so so cute. I am hoping you have an excellent health year in 2009. I like how you showed your knitting. Recaps are okay, but FOS always rule!

Anonymous said...

I sure hope 2009 is better for you! Love the scarf that you knit for your mom! How did we ever live without Ravelry?!

Love the hat too!

Happy New Year!

Jessica said...

Great work! Sheldon is just too cute!

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