Lion Brand Notebook ®
While most people are looking forward to the holidays and holiday gift making, I am looking back on last year’s gifts. And I don’t have to look back too far. It’s August and I just finished my last Christmas 2008 gift. Let me explain. Every year my friends and I have a holiday party where we play White Elephant: everyone brings one gift; each person picks a number out of a hat and goes in order picking a gift, but they can pick a wrapped gift or “steal” from someone who has already opened a gift.
My gift was a ball of yarn with a note that the recipient could pick anything (within reason) for me to custom knit for her. After being “stolen” the maximum number of times, my friend who received it looked at patterns with me and decided on the Brooke’s Column of Leaves Scarf on Ravelry.
She picked her yarn (Vanna’s Choice in Mustard) and I told her I could have it within a couple weeks. But as it turns out she was leaving for Europe before I could finish the scarf. So the scarf was hibernating while I worked on other holiday projects, and spring and summer projects, until a couple weeks ago. Finally, the scarf is finished, just in time for her return to New York.
If you’re looking to get ahead on your holiday crafting, check out these recommendations from YarnCraft or click to listen to that YarnCraft episode [MP3].
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DrJohnandBruno
I had a deja vu feeling reading this post. As it turns out I’m currently knitting the exact same pattern for a friend who is turning 60 next month. It’s my first attempt at lace and chose the pattern because it is relatively simple, but elegant. I’m using SPA from Caron, Color: Berry Frappe. After a rather rough start (OK, Six rough starts)the patterned clicked and I’m currently half way. I have two weeks to finish, wish me luck!
Patty
Great job. I think it looks beautiful!
Liz
best. present. ever.
Michelle
It’s gorgeous! We Mainers call that a Yankee Swap. Wish I had been on the receiving end!
Ilehlia
What a great idea for a gift! I’m going to try that. The closest I’ve come to something like that is giving my neighbour 2 balls of yarn, a set of needles, and a coupon for free knitting lessons for her 6th birthday, back in May. We’ve been “redeeming” the coupon since July sitting on my front porch, and calling ourselves the “Knittin’ Grannies”, which she gets a big kick out of. She has currently mastered the knit stitch, the purl stitch (still gets them a bit mixed up sometimes), simple casting on, and casting off. We’re doing 4″ squares in soft yellow and neon pink (her choice), to get lots of practice with casting on and off. The plan is to sew them together into her own little afghan. She enjoys showing her real grannies what she is doing, and teaching them!
I love the scarf pattern. I might steal the whole idea, pattern and all, for this year’s Christmas parties…