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Here Come The Holidays. What Is Your Plan?

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Here Come The Holidays. What Is Your Plan?

- Ilana
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The First Thanksgiving, painted by Jean Leon G...

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It’s getting colder, leaves are on the ground and somehow, November is suddenly upon us.  This is the season we prepare our homes for company, start collecting recipes for the holidays and make plans to get together with people we may not have seen for a while.

Some people prefer summer but I love this time of year.  The air is crisp but not too cold, the trees are beautiful and I prefer sweaters, scarves and coats over sun dresses and shorts.  Thinking about Thanksgiving and holiday parties and imagining what those events will be like, is a lot of fun.  The anticipation is often better than the real thing.

As soon as Thanksgiving is over come the holidays where gift giving is traditional.  After a couple of years of financial strain, people seem to focus less on the importance of showy gifts and think about what might be more meaningful gifts.   It’s not easy to give just the right thing to someone–something that will mean a lot to that person.

As November gets started, I start thinking about what I can do to make the holidays special for the people who mean a lot to me and I start listening and watching them more a little more closely to see if I can come up with an idea that will make them happy.  Maybe it’s a new way of making their favorite food or picking just the right color for a scarf.

What are your plans?  What are you thinking about doing to make the holidays special this year?

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207 Comments

  • For presents, I am making several family members ornaments from Lion Brand patterns. Most of the gifts that I am making for those outside of my home are handmade. I’m lucky that my family likes handmade items. The reason behind making ornaments as presents is because I realized last year that the only handmade ones that I had were made out of felt. I wanted some knitted and crochet ornaments on my tree. Plus in my family it is a tradition that you give an ornament to everyone each year so that they will think of you and that Christmas for years to come. As far as plans go, we are staying home for Christmas. My kids will help make cookies for Santa and help decorate the tree.

    • Kristy
      Sounds like you have a wonderful holiday in store. I love the idea of creating crafting traditions.

    • l0long age I made crocheted Christmas stockings for each of my kids. The when my oldest got married I made her husband one and passed hers over to her for her home. I have now made one for each of her children and each of the other new spouses of my other children.

    • i really like the idea of ornaments. i have been out of my parents house for, this will be my 3rd Christmas, and i have no decorations. i got super excited when all the Christmas stuff started coming out in October but i don’t have the money to spend on all this fancy stuff. i think i am going to invest in some Christmas color yarn and do ornaments. Snowmen, Reindeer, Santa’s, fun stuff to reflect back on in 30 years when my kids are grown and in my shoes it can inspire them. my mom still has all the ornaments she made when she first moved out on her own and i hadn’t even considered it. thank you for the inspiration! i cant wait to get my new yarn!

    • Kristy- what a great idea. I made knitted dishcloths last year for family and hats and scarves the year before. I was searching the blog for ideas. I like the thought of giving felted ornaments. I am also thinking of making eco-friendly shopping bags. Any more ideas?
      Thanks

  • I am knitting some string market bags for my daughter, she will give them to her female co-workers. Then a shawl for my daughter-in-law, mittens and a hat for grandson.

    • So nice of you to make gifts for your daughter’s friends!

  • I’m not going to give to people I don’t want to just out of obligation, and I won’t give the people I do care about the crap I make; I care too much about them to give them such cheesy junk..

    • My family and friends love the homemade items I make for them and keep giving me requests. Are you not satisfied with what you make? Remember – practice makes perfect!!!

    • My family and friends love the homemade items I make for them and keep giving me requests. Are you not satisfied with what you make? Remember – practice makes perfect!!!

    • TO ANONYMOUS:
      The “crap” you make isn’t “cheesy junk.” It’s part of you. Try thinking about the person you’re knitting or crocheting for with each stitch. Make up a little verse to use with each stitch or group of stitches, like a two-stitch mantra as simple as “Mom…I love you” or “Kari…thanks.” Projects go faster (or seem to anyway) and your love is made part of the object you’re making. It’s almost magic!

    • Humbug !

    • Handmade gifts are wonderful and hopefully treasured. Iam sure they will like your gifts which are thoughtful. If they are the snobby, pricey gift lovers I feel sorry for them. Some of the best gifts are the simplest. Last year I made a co=worker a scarf in her favorite color (out of Homespun-a very simple pattern), She loved it and wore it all winter. Her year had been awful and she needed a boost.

    • Handmade gifts are wonderful and hopefully treasured. Iam sure they will like your gifts which are thoughtful. If they are the snobby, pricey gift lovers I feel sorry for them. Some of the best gifts are the simplest. Last year I made a co=worker a scarf in her favorite color (out of Homespun-a very simple pattern), She loved it and wore it all winter. Her year had been awful and she needed a boost.

    • Handmade gifts are wonderful and hopefully treasured. Iam sure they will like your gifts which are thoughtful. If they are the snobby, pricey gift lovers I feel sorry for them. Some of the best gifts are the simplest. Last year I made a co=worker a scarf in her favorite color (out of Homespun-a very simple pattern), She loved it and wore it all winter. Her year had been awful and she needed a boost.

    • Handmade gifts are wonderful and hopefully treasured. Iam sure they will like your gifts which are thoughtful. If they are the snobby, pricey gift lovers I feel sorry for them. Some of the best gifts are the simplest. Last year I made a co=worker a scarf in her favorite color (out of Homespun-a very simple pattern), She loved it and wore it all winter. Her year had been awful and she needed a boost.

    • How rude you are! Does sounding off this way make you feel better? Maybe you need another outlet!

    • i hit like before i realized you put “the crap i make”. i thought you were talking about buying cheap things to give to people just to give. things you make are NOT crap. doesn’t matter if you are 5 y/o or 35 y/o, it’s something you took time & effort to do for someone else. when i first started crocheting i gave people things that were FAR from perfect & most of them were awed by the fact that i made it. people you care about will love the things you make just because you cared about them enough to make something with them in mind!

    • I have a feeling that “anonymous” isn’t really a crocheter/knitter at all. Just someone trying to hint that they don’t want to receive what they consider to be “crap” or “cheesy junk”.

      • Wrong! I’ve been crocheting for 35 years, and I like what I make. I just feel that things I make are a “compromise gift.”

      • Wrong! I’ve been crocheting for 35 years, and I like what I make. I just feel that things I make are a “compromise gift.”

        • I have five sisters and every year I try to make something for each of them. Fingerless gloves, knitted and felted purses, hats and scarves. Last year I purchased gifts and everyone was greatly disappointed. One sister makes sure that everyone knows who made her gift. I feel like I am giving them a part of me and that makes it more special. I will add that my sisters all have impeccable taste. I only make for those that I love greatly.

        • I have five sisters and every year I try to make something for each of them. Fingerless gloves, knitted and felted purses, hats and scarves. Last year I purchased gifts and everyone was greatly disappointed. One sister makes sure that everyone knows who made her gift. I feel like I am giving them a part of me and that makes it more special. I will add that my sisters all have impeccable taste. I only make for those that I love greatly.

        • I have five sisters and every year I try to make something for each of them. Fingerless gloves, knitted and felted purses, hats and scarves. Last year I purchased gifts and everyone was greatly disappointed. One sister makes sure that everyone knows who made her gift. I feel like I am giving them a part of me and that makes it more special. I will add that my sisters all have impeccable taste. I only make for those that I love greatly.

        • I have five sisters and every year I try to make something for each of them. Fingerless gloves, knitted and felted purses, hats and scarves. Last year I purchased gifts and everyone was greatly disappointed. One sister makes sure that everyone knows who made her gift. I feel like I am giving them a part of me and that makes it more special. I will add that my sisters all have impeccable taste. I only make for those that I love greatly.

        • I have five sisters and every year I try to make something for each of them. Fingerless gloves, knitted and felted purses, hats and scarves. Last year I purchased gifts and everyone was greatly disappointed. One sister makes sure that everyone knows who made her gift. I feel like I am giving them a part of me and that makes it more special. I will add that my sisters all have impeccable taste. I only make for those that I love greatly.

        • How is putting your heart and soul into a gift a compromise? Because you didn’t buy an already made gift? Buying a gift is the compromise because it takes almost no time or effort to buy something. Share your talent, you must be good after 35 yrs. I bet your friends and family will love you for it.

          • I have noticed that some ignorant family members of mine do not appreciate home made gifts. I intend, apart from perhaps a skinny “fashion scarf” to make gifts of blanket squares and sweaters and hats for Aids orphans in South Africa. To them a home-made gift means somebody took the time and love and effort to say “they matter”. (I think some of my relatives are a tad spoilt and surface dwelling) I’m not the best crocheter but my daughter loves the bed socks I crocheted for her. 🙂

    • Why do you bother making things if you think they are “cheesy junk”?

    • Anyone can go to the store and buy stuff for Christmas presents. Only special people can give handmade presents. Why do people pay so much in the store for “handmade” and consider their handmades “cheesy junk”. Use good materials and take time with creating and it will be more special.

    • Hey, why so you make such cheesy junk and crap. Are you for real?

  • I’m planning on having a Christmas Tree Decorating Party, and sometime later-I hope to be putting a Christmas Cookie Exchange party together in December. I look forward to this year to. It’s my favorite time of year-and when it’s over, I anticipate and eagerly wait for it again the next year. I’m so excited as November rolls around. I’ve already started making plans and my menu up for my Thanksgiving dinner.

    • I like the idea of a cookie exchange. Maybe we’ll try that. Thanks for sharing.

    • I established a new family tradition when my husband and I married. We invite the grand children over in early afternoon one Sunday before Christmas. They and I bake cookies or make gingerbread houses. Then, while I clean up the kitchen, they decorate the tree with Pop-Pop. Then we all have a pizza party with parents included. Gives us a great day with the kids and the parents an afternoon free to do Christmas things, like shopping.

    • I established a new family tradition when my husband and I married. We invite the grand children over in early afternoon one Sunday before Christmas. They and I bake cookies or make gingerbread houses. Then, while I clean up the kitchen, they decorate the tree with Pop-Pop. Then we all have a pizza party with parents included. Gives us a great day with the kids and the parents an afternoon free to do Christmas things, like shopping.

    • I established a new family tradition when my husband and I married. We invite the grand children over in early afternoon one Sunday before Christmas. They and I bake cookies or make gingerbread houses. Then, while I clean up the kitchen, they decorate the tree with Pop-Pop. Then we all have a pizza party with parents included. Gives us a great day with the kids and the parents an afternoon free to do Christmas things, like shopping.

    • I established a new family tradition when my husband and I married. We invite the grand children over in early afternoon one Sunday before Christmas. They and I bake cookies or make gingerbread houses. Then, while I clean up the kitchen, they decorate the tree with Pop-Pop. Then we all have a pizza party with parents included. Gives us a great day with the kids and the parents an afternoon free to do Christmas things, like shopping.

    • I established a new family tradition when my husband and I married. We invite the grand children over in early afternoon one Sunday before Christmas. They and I bake cookies or make gingerbread houses. Then, while I clean up the kitchen, they decorate the tree with Pop-Pop. Then we all have a pizza party with parents included. Gives us a great day with the kids and the parents an afternoon free to do Christmas things, like shopping.

  • It’s going to be a financial struggle for a lot of my family this year so we decided home made gifts only. For my youngest, who is a single mom, I’m giving the gift of a five day vacation from the twins. For my oldest who lives a little further away, I’m giving the gift of my time (and her niece and nephew) for a few days. I take them to the big city and we get to see aquariums and museums and visit with their aunt.

    • Barb
      Thanks for those lovely and thoughtful gift ideas. Time and attention from the people you love for something that means a lot to them is truly valuable.

  • My friend has a beloved Yorkie so I’m making it a sweater and a scarf for her from the same yarn (fun fur).

    • What a great idea to make not only a sweater for your friends pet to make a matching scarf as well – how cute is that!

  • I’m crocheting a lot of my Christmas gifts this year, as I am retired and on a fixed income. I’m making hats and scarves for the extended family, a cowl for my daughter, and shrugs for my friends. All my patterns are Lion Brand, and that is also the yarn I’m using. I always check Lion Brand patterns first when looking for a new idea.

  • In the Summer, as I sat at softball games, I knitted Prayer shawls for my elderly aunts. Now I am making small amigurumi gifts for the rest of the people on my list to use up my left overs.

  • I am crocheting hats for whoever wants one—I have fun making hats and giving them away. Some will go to the shelters; others are for clients, friends, or anyone who looks like they need a good hat. My friends call me the Hat Fairy.

  • My kids are getting hats and mittens; my hubby slippers; and my extended family hats, fingerless mitts, or scarves. Hope it gets done in time! 🙂
    Susie

  • My kids are getting hats and mittens; my hubby slippers; and my extended family hats, fingerless mitts, or scarves. Hope it gets done in time! 🙂
    Susie

  • My kids are getting hats and mittens; my hubby slippers; and my extended family hats, fingerless mitts, or scarves. Hope it gets done in time! 🙂
    Susie

  • My kids are getting hats and mittens; my hubby slippers; and my extended family hats, fingerless mitts, or scarves. Hope it gets done in time! 🙂
    Susie

  • My kids are getting hats and mittens; my hubby slippers; and my extended family hats, fingerless mitts, or scarves. Hope it gets done in time! 🙂
    Susie

  • My kids are getting hats and mittens; my hubby slippers; and my extended family hats, fingerless mitts, or scarves. Hope it gets done in time! 🙂
    Susie

  • My kids are getting hats and mittens; my hubby slippers; and my extended family hats, fingerless mitts, or scarves. Hope it gets done in time! 🙂
    Susie

  • My kids are getting hats and mittens; my hubby slippers; and my extended family hats, fingerless mitts, or scarves. Hope it gets done in time! 🙂
    Susie

  • My kids are getting hats and mittens; my hubby slippers; and my extended family hats, fingerless mitts, or scarves. Hope it gets done in time! 🙂
    Susie

  • I am as usual making hats for the grandkids (2, 3 and 5) and scarves for friends. Learning to quilt so also possibly some pot holders if time permits.

  • I am as usual making hats for the grandkids (2, 3 and 5) and scarves for friends. Learning to quilt so also possibly some pot holders if time permits.

    • I have wanted to learn to quilt for a long time! I like the blankets with large panels and somewhat of a theme.
      I think pot holders would be a great start!
      I am going to have to look around and see where I can find a beginners class on that! Thanks for sharing – a perfect start!!

      • there are a lot of helpful books. don’t be surprised if you push out some funky looking items. i started quilting earlier this summer and have found much pleasure in it. almost as much as i have found in my knitting/crocheting. good luck with your venture it is such a pleasurable hobby, and once you have had a little practice pieces start really coming together. Happy hobbies!

  • My grandaughter, Cara has had twin 12 inch baby dolls (one a boy, the other a girl just like her and her twin brother Ryan) since she was very little. However they didn’t come with any clothes. So being a grandma, I sewed some pants, shirts and a dress for them. Then I got the notion to make a crochet afghan, hats, and tiny little sweaters for them. I’m having a lot of fun knitting and crocheting those. Your article has also inspired me to add scarves, and a shawl to the fashion list for the dolls. Happy Holidays to all.

    • Enjoy! I am a self taught crocheter, I can’t seem to get past the blankets, hats, and scarfs…making doll clothes has been a dream for me.
      This blog is inspiring…I just need a good teacher : )

  • My 101 year old Aunt died this year and we are cleaning out her farmhouse, I found some antique canning jars with the glass lids that use wire to close. I decided to give my children crocheted dishclothes and one of their greataunt’s jars filled with homemade fudge. I thought this would give them a nice memory of a favorite aunt.

    • A suggestion for you, why not crochet a pretty Jar Topper to put on top yur Aunt’s canning jars? They are pretty and Christmassy and can be used on other jars.

      • That is a great idea. Thank you for the suggestion.

      • That is a great idea. Thank you for the suggestion.

  • After looking for certain patterns for years, I finally found them this year, so I am making Christmas kitchen towels with crocheted toppers, Lid Grabbers, a crocheted Christmas candle, and a poinsettia crocheted hotpad. For my little granddaughters I’m crocheting Cradle Purses. I couldn’t find any 3″ dolls to put in them, but found some 3″ little Teddy bears to put in. I’ve already finished some afghans to give. I also crochet edging around pretty ladies hankies, to give them a Christmassy and feminine look.

    • I was doing the edging on hankies and my daughter laughed at me and said that was old fashion. No one uses hankies anymore only tissues. I was very upset because I invested in the cotton thread and hankies, but she said she wouldn’t use them.

      • Do them anyway then take them to a convalescent hospital as much appreciated gifts.

      • Do them anyway then take them to a convalescent hospital as much appreciated gifts.

      • Do them anyway then take them to a convalescent hospital as much appreciated gifts.

      • Do them anyway then take them to a convalescent hospital as much appreciated gifts.

      • Pay no attention to your daughter! I have handkerchiefs from both of my grandmothers that I cherish. One has been gone almost 50 years and one has been gone almost 40 years. What sweet memories they bring back! No, I don’t “use” them but I cherish them just the same.

        • Some of the most cherished things we found in my aunt’s house were crocheted hankies her sister (she had died of TB before my mother was even married) had made. It was one of the few things we had of hers.

      • Wait it could be a fashion trend again. I would cherish something like that. It could be folded and pinned to a jacket.

      • Wait it could be a fashion trend again. I would cherish something like that. It could be folded and pinned to a jacket.

      • Wait it could be a fashion trend again. I would cherish something like that. It could be folded and pinned to a jacket.

      • Wait it could be a fashion trend again. I would cherish something like that. It could be folded and pinned to a jacket.

      • Wait it could be a fashion trend again. I would cherish something like that. It could be folded and pinned to a jacket.

      • Wait it could be a fashion trend again. I would cherish something like that. It could be folded and pinned to a jacket.

      • That was very rude of her. It would be something that I would cherish. It would be very pretty framed also! It’s kind of you to think of others 🙂

      • I go crazy looking for hankies…just like you described…….and I think your daughter should reconsider…………….

      • That is sad wwgram.
        I would make them anyway. One day you will find a special person that will appreciate them, sometimes not always family. I have the ones from my mom and grandmoms.
        I hope you crochet with happiness – don’t let one person (even if it is your daughter ) rule YOUR happiness.

      • Shame on her. I crocheted my first Granddaughter a pretty hankie for her first Christmas. Used blue thread. Wrote a note telling her that I look foreward to seeing her with it at her wedding but if for some reason I’m not around by that time, I’ll still be there in spirit. made my Daughter in law cry on Christmas morning.

      • Shame on her. I crocheted my first Granddaughter a pretty hankie for her first Christmas. Used blue thread. Wrote a note telling her that I look foreward to seeing her with it at her wedding but if for some reason I’m not around by that time, I’ll still be there in spirit. made my Daughter in law cry on Christmas morning.

      • actually, the more environmentally friendly option is those lovely handkerchiefs! Just keep crocheting them!

  • I always try to make the grandchildren (all boys) hats for Christmas and they look for them too. Also make them for the son-in-laws and dear husband. Right now I am almost finished the crocheted brimmed hat – just have the brim to finish – awesome pattern. Also looking for different hat patterns for men.

  • I am a long time knitter and fairly new crocheter. Since I have collected yarns for years and this year our budget is a little tight, I started my Xmas projects early (July). I have already crocheted a sampler afghan for my best friend for Xmas, a wallaby sweater for my daughter and a 24″ doily for my stepmother, with more projects on my list including a sweater for my little Westie. In between, since I have collected so many scraps of leftover yarn over time, I have been using my leftovers knitting a pile of snuggy blankets for our small local humane society for the animals there for Xmas – very colorful from all the variety of scraps. Early in our marriage I made all the Xmas presents out of necessity, and altho I have always made 1 or 2 gifts since, this year it is bringing me back to what Xmas is all about, giving of yourself to make others happy.

    • Wow Phyllis. I love your spirit. Making gifts for loved ones and for charity and remembering that giving of your time and talent to make gifts for family is truly what it’s all about.

    • Wow Phyllis. I love your spirit. Making gifts for loved ones and for charity and remembering that giving of your time and talent to make gifts for family is truly what it’s all about.

  • I have no new ideas this year.Have looked on line for hours and gone to local craft shows and bazaars, but nothing new or interesting.
    If anyone has any ideas for Christmas ideas I would appreciate it.
    In the past I have made poinsettia potholders, and towel toppers. I also did snow flake potholders.
    Thanks.

    • What about table runners? I have seen them in both the poinsettia and snowflake designs both on line and in catalogs. They are quite pretty but would be a challenge I think for me as I am a fairly new crocheter. Patterns sometimes frustrate me.

    • If they were a success before, maybe people would like new ones this year in either the same or a new and more year round design.. They sound like great gifts. Add a store bought spatula or some other kitchen accessory and give it a new twist.

    • I have been making amigurumi for everyone this year, they all got scarves last year so now they will have something for their desk at work or shelf at home, and I even made some really small ones and Im going to go to the dollar store and get cute bags and boxes to put them in

      • How old are the people you are making amigurumi for? I was thinking of making some for my nieces and nephews – but the oldest are 11 and 12. Do you think that is too old? I am afraid they will think it’s “un-cool”!

        • I told my granddaughter (who is 10) that I was making crocheted guinea pigs to give the little ones at Halloween, and she insisted that I make one for her. If you choose something they are passionate about (dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, etc.) , they will love it.

      • How old are the people you are making amigurumi for? I was thinking of making some for my nieces and nephews – but the oldest are 11 and 12. Do you think that is too old? I am afraid they will think it’s “un-cool”!

  • I’m trying a new crocheting project. It’s a beaded basket done in tapestry crochet. I’ve just started, but clearly this project will stretch my skills!!

  • Last year I made my daughter and son in law a huge star shaped afghan (they picked the pattern and colors), and Christmas stockings for their family. For other relatives I made welcome mats. This year I’ve had health problems so I’m not making as many gifts. I’m making slippers for the grandkids, and hats and scarves for my daughter and son in law. If I don’t run out of time, I hope to make some tree ornaments for them too.

    • Last year I made evryone slippers -about 30 of them – they all wantted them again this year! But are family is so hugh plus my daughter is getting married on Dec 4th. So thre will be a lot less homemade Christmas.
      I am knitting sock monkeys for my mom, sister & sis-in-law – now my girls all want them not sure if I will get that finished.
      Every year my husband or I make ornaments – some of my older nieces & nephews have trees with only our handmades on them. This year I am knitting mini mitten ornaments 🙂

  • We have just moved to Florida, and will be starting new traditions with family down here. I am crocheting snowflake ornaments for everyone, and including some in our Chirstmas cards to friends and family up north. We are giving all the nieces and nephews an ornament. And I have crocheted baby blankets for all the soon to be new babies for friends and family. Also making slippers for my children’s cold toes on chilly mornings. My youngest has asked me to make him a blanket for his bed. And I am sewing stockings and wall hangings for my parents and in-laws.

  • is making knitted socks and fair-isle hats for Mom, Dad, Husband and 2 kids, fingerless gloves for my Brother and Sister, and some beautiful cabled arm warmers for myself!

  • is making knitted socks and fair-isle hats for Mom, Dad, Husband and 2 kids, fingerless gloves for my Brother and Sister, and some beautiful cabled arm warmers for myself!

  • I just started knitting and crocheting again after not doing it for many years so I decided to start small and easy and have made knit washcloths which I will give with handmade soaps and some knit and crocheted dishtowels and dishcloths. I hope to make some scarves as well. Maybe next year I’ll get more ambitious and do sweaters.

  • Money is tight this year so I started in Sept. making afghans for my girls and their families. Buying enough yarn for 1 afghan at a time made it possible to do. I have made 41/2 with 21/2 to go. I should have done this years ago,it’s fun and relaxing and no worries about what to buy everyone!

  • Money is tight this year so I started in Sept. making afghans for my girls and their families. Buying enough yarn for 1 afghan at a time made it possible to do. I have made 41/2 with 21/2 to go. I should have done this years ago,it’s fun and relaxing and no worries about what to buy everyone!

  • Money is tight this year so I started in Sept. making afghans for my girls and their families. Buying enough yarn for 1 afghan at a time made it possible to do. I have made 41/2 with 21/2 to go. I should have done this years ago,it’s fun and relaxing and no worries about what to buy everyone!

  • Money is tight this year so I started in Sept. making afghans for my girls and their families. Buying enough yarn for 1 afghan at a time made it possible to do. I have made 41/2 with 21/2 to go. I should have done this years ago,it’s fun and relaxing and no worries about what to buy everyone!

  • I’m knitting and weaving and spinning for Christmas gifts. My knitting friends are getting handspun yarn, my spinning friends are getting hand dyed spinning fiber, and my family are getting the usual–hats, scarves, mittens and socks!

  • I have been knitting and crocheting for several years now and my family loves my knit and crocheted things. I make socks, scarfs, and other things. The only problem with the socks is that I have to find a pattern big enough for my Dad’s feet, which are a size 12.

    • I have a young friend who wears a 13 1/2 I made him a pair of socks, they looked more like a Christmas stocking they were so big. See if you can get an old pair of his socks to measure.

    • I have a young friend who wears a 13 1/2 I made him a pair of socks, they looked more like a Christmas stocking they were so big. See if you can get an old pair of his socks to measure.

    • I have a young friend who wears a 13 1/2 I made him a pair of socks, they looked more like a Christmas stocking they were so big. See if you can get an old pair of his socks to measure.

    • I have a young friend who wears a 13 1/2 I made him a pair of socks, they looked more like a Christmas stocking they were so big. See if you can get an old pair of his socks to measure.

    • I have a young friend who wears a 13 1/2 I made him a pair of socks, they looked more like a Christmas stocking they were so big. See if you can get an old pair of his socks to measure.

    • what you need to do is find the ones that start at the toes and tell you just to make it as long as you need it befor you get to the heel

    • Just get the length measurement of his foot and knit until a man’s sock is long enough for the foot. Remember, they stretch width-wise

  • Over the last 5-6 years we’ve gotten the next generation of little ones. Two years ago I made hats, last year ear-flap hats, this year I’m making “animal scarves”. It’s been fun and the items have been well received 🙂

    • It gets harder when they become teenagers. Now they are too picky.

      • I have a few teens on my christmas list, they love the slouchy hats and amigurumi

      • I crocheted an afghan for a teen friend and she loved it! When I gave it to her, I told her that when she’s feeling down, she can wrap it around her and get a big hug from me. She even takes it with her on sleepovers! If you choose colors they like or colors that match their room or their school colors, they will appreciate it. You may even find that their friends are asking for one!

  • Right now I’m working on a chrochet dolly for my niece, Emma who is 2 1/2. I still am trying to decide on how to put on the mouth and am working on a blanket for the doll as well.

  • Right now I’m working on a chrochet dolly for my niece, Emma who is 2 1/2. I still am trying to decide on how to put on the mouth and am working on a blanket for the doll as well.

    • Such a perfect age when they do appreciate whatever you make. You and Xara are fortunate to have that next generation around and to be able to make those cute things they will love.

    • I find for little ones it is best to use yarn or embroidary thread for eyes, mouths,or noses. Less chance of choking and fully washable.

  • I have started a afghan, and plan to make a few scarfs and a beret. I think I will get an earlier start next year.

  • I have started a afghan, and plan to make a few scarfs and a beret. I think I will get an earlier start next year.

  • I have started a afghan, and plan to make a few scarfs and a beret. I think I will get an earlier start next year.

  • Have been researching my family tree and have discovered family I didn’t know I had. So I am using up some of my yarn stash for gifts for their new babies. I made the knit Octopus pattern I found on Lion Brand and it came out so cute, also made one of the fish patterns. Am sending them to my cousin’s 18 month old twins. Since I live on the coast it seems like I am sending them a part of me.

  • Have been researching my family tree and have discovered family I didn’t know I had. So I am using up some of my yarn stash for gifts for their new babies. I made the knit Octopus pattern I found on Lion Brand and it came out so cute, also made one of the fish patterns. Am sending them to my cousin’s 18 month old twins. Since I live on the coast it seems like I am sending them a part of me.

  • Have been researching my family tree and have discovered family I didn’t know I had. So I am using up some of my yarn stash for gifts for their new babies. I made the knit Octopus pattern I found on Lion Brand and it came out so cute, also made one of the fish patterns. Am sending them to my cousin’s 18 month old twins. Since I live on the coast it seems like I am sending them a part of me.

  • Have been researching my family tree and have discovered family I didn’t know I had. So I am using up some of my yarn stash for gifts for their new babies. I made the knit Octopus pattern I found on Lion Brand and it came out so cute, also made one of the fish patterns. Am sending them to my cousin’s 18 month old twins. Since I live on the coast it seems like I am sending them a part of me.

  • Have been researching my family tree and have discovered family I didn’t know I had. So I am using up some of my yarn stash for gifts for their new babies. I made the knit Octopus pattern I found on Lion Brand and it came out so cute, also made one of the fish patterns. Am sending them to my cousin’s 18 month old twins. Since I live on the coast it seems like I am sending them a part of me.

  • Well I’m going to make some ornaments for our tree, and I’ve already made my Mom and Dad crocheted water carriers. I’m also going to make something crafty to put under the tree for my kids, but I’m not sure what yet.

  • Hats, fingerless gloves and perhaps a new poncho. The one I made last year was for mild weather and boy it got so cold that I couldn’t use it very much.

  • I am new to crochet. I haven’t even learned all of the basic stitches yet. So I’m taking what I do know and am making matching scarves for my grandfather and step-grandmother. (They’re one of those cute matching scarves kind of couples.)

    • So nice that you noticed that about them and made a gift to suit!

    • Good for you!

  • What am I making, more like what am I not making? 1 scarf (half complete), 3 pairs of socks (1 completed, 1 started, 1 stashed) & a couple of pairs of slippers. Whew! still lots to accomplish ;P

  • This year I have done something very different. I have made several ‘sets’ of dishcloths, which I had from ‘Lion Brand’ A set, being 2 x round ,2 x square, and 2 x ‘sylvan star’. I gave one set for a birthday present, after making some for my own home, and they are much admired. Made from 8ply absorbent cotton, they wash up well, and they are a nice ‘handful’.

    • Washcloths are always needed and welcome. In one of our newsletters we showed them with a piece of scented soap and wrapped in a pretty ribbon to make a lovely looking gift package.

      • About the washcloths, are you making them with yarn? I have one from my mom made with cotten string yarn, like for doillies.

  • Yes, and a good bit of time to do it. It’s hard to get started in the summer when we are not thinking of the holidays so I think we all start working quickly around now.

  • Hats for my boys, a cardigan for my daughter, socks for my husband and for all my friends…Mini Hat Ornaments.

  • My afternoons and some evenings (I work part-time) have been too quiet since our dog was put down (she had cancer). I have odd lots of yarn stored in a dresser, so I began making hats and scarfs in the V-pattern to give to a mission church in Virginia to help with their work in Appalachia. My middle daughter and son both put in requests for hats, and for Christmas, my Mom will get a new hat. Hats and scarfs work up quickly, must try fingerless gloves, grandaughters have American dolls so will try to make each an outfit and grandson will get hat/scarf. For pattern ideas, I check all the yarn brand sites, plus magazine companies online, even google. Feels good to give back…

  • A nephew saw a stuffed llama I made for my sister. He requested one. Therefore all 10 nieces and nephews are getting a crocheted stuffed animal! Seven are finished. I tried to choose animals they all favored. However, I did not find a meerkat, so one girl will have to go with her second favorite animal!

    • Wonderful idea for personalizing gifts for young ones. We have a bunch of great animal patterns to choose from on the Lion Brand site.

    • If I’m not mistaken, a meerkat looks like a ferret, only larger. And it’s similar to a mongoose in shape. Maybe one of these patterns would be suitable in the proper yarn colors.

    • I found a crocheted meerkat! The link is http://www.allcrafts.net/crochet/crochettoys.htm. If you go down the list, you’ll see a crocheted meerkat.

  • I have only been knitting a short time. I am learning to make socks and would like to make them as gifts. I pretty much have the heel flap method down but would really like to learn how to do the short row heel method. Does anyone have really easy to follow instructions for this technique? I really like the way it looks.

    • P.S. I am new to blogging. Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask for instructions:)

  • I made a sweater for my son, a cardigan for my daughter, and about a dozen pairs of socks. Right now I’m working on scarves. I’m going to put the socks and scarves in separate “grab bags” and let recipients choose for themselves and trade if they want to. We might even play the “I want that” game!

    • What a fun idea and everyone gets what they want!

  • making scarf for my Man, and a few hats for kiddo’s

    nilla

  • For the Holidays: I am knitting the “Side Flap Sweater” for my grandson. It is a very classic look in bulky Alpaca Yarn with one button on the neck flap. It is knitted in one piece; from the bottom back to the bottom of the sweater front. The only seaming is the under side of sleeves and and side seam. bb

  • For the Holidays: I am knitting the “Side Flap Sweater” for my grandson. It is a very classic look in bulky Alpaca Yarn with one button on the neck flap. It is knitted in one piece; from the bottom back to the bottom of the sweater front. The only seaming is the under side of sleeves and and side seam. bb

  • For the Holidays: I am knitting the “Side Flap Sweater” for my grandson. It is a very classic look in bulky Alpaca Yarn with one button on the neck flap. It is knitted in one piece; from the bottom back to the bottom of the sweater front. The only seaming is the under side of sleeves and and side seam. bb

    • Sounds like a great pattern and a really warm one.

  • For the Holidays: I am knitting the “Side Flap Sweater” for my grandson. It is a very classic look in bulky Alpaca Yarn with one button on the neck flap. It is knitted in one piece; from the bottom back to the bottom of the sweater front. The only seaming is the under side of sleeves and and side seam. bb

  • For the Holidays: I am knitting the “Side Flap Sweater” for my grandson. It is a very classic look in bulky Alpaca Yarn with one button on the neck flap. It is knitted in one piece; from the bottom back to the bottom of the sweater front. The only seaming is the under side of sleeves and and side seam. bb

  • For the Holidays: I am knitting the “Side Flap Sweater” for my grandson. It is a very classic look in bulky Alpaca Yarn with one button on the neck flap. It is knitted in one piece; from the bottom back to the bottom of the sweater front. The only seaming is the under side of sleeves and and side seam. bb

  • For the Holidays: I am knitting the “Side Flap Sweater” for my grandson. It is a very classic look in bulky Alpaca Yarn with one button on the neck flap. It is knitted in one piece; from the bottom back to the bottom of the sweater front. The only seaming is the under side of sleeves and and side seam. bb

  • My family doesn’t really exchange gifts, but we do give different gifts by gender. For example, my grandmother will buy a small screwdriver set and give it to all the men in the family. I am knitting a bunch of dish clothes to give to all of the ladies in my family. I have made them in several different colors so people can trade to match their kitchens. It is a small gift, but I am the only knitter in my family so they really appreciate it.

    • Sounds like you turned a standardized gift into a one-of-a-kind, personalized gift. Very thoughtful.

  • For the Christmas holiday, I am crocheting hats, mittens and scarf’s for all 14 of my nieces and nephews. I am about 1/4 of the way done. My goals is to have them all done by Thanks Giving.

  • For the Christmas holiday, I am crocheting hats, mittens and scarf’s for all 14 of my nieces and nephews. I am about 1/4 of the way done. My goals is to have them all done by Thanks Giving.

    • Wow! You are ambitious and they are lucky.

  • A crocheted hat and scarf for a granddaughter per her request, and I’m embroidering a matching tree skirt and table runner. I had to revise the pattern for the scarf. No matter how many times I did it, the pattern row would not count out. I finally added three stitches and switched to a size smaller hook. Now it works.

  • A crocheted hat and scarf for a granddaughter per her request, and I’m embroidering a matching tree skirt and table runner. I had to revise the pattern for the scarf. No matter how many times I did it, the pattern row would not count out. I finally added three stitches and switched to a size smaller hook. Now it works.

  • A crocheted hat and scarf for a granddaughter per her request, and I’m embroidering a matching tree skirt and table runner. I had to revise the pattern for the scarf. No matter how many times I did it, the pattern row would not count out. I finally added three stitches and switched to a size smaller hook. Now it works.

  • A crocheted hat and scarf for a granddaughter per her request, and I’m embroidering a matching tree skirt and table runner. I had to revise the pattern for the scarf. No matter how many times I did it, the pattern row would not count out. I finally added three stitches and switched to a size smaller hook. Now it works.

  • A crocheted hat and scarf for a granddaughter per her request, and I’m embroidering a matching tree skirt and table runner. I had to revise the pattern for the scarf. No matter how many times I did it, the pattern row would not count out. I finally added three stitches and switched to a size smaller hook. Now it works.

  • A crocheted hat and scarf for a granddaughter per her request, and I’m embroidering a matching tree skirt and table runner. I had to revise the pattern for the scarf. No matter how many times I did it, the pattern row would not count out. I finally added three stitches and switched to a size smaller hook. Now it works.

  • A crocheted hat and scarf for a granddaughter per her request, and I’m embroidering a matching tree skirt and table runner. I had to revise the pattern for the scarf. No matter how many times I did it, the pattern row would not count out. I finally added three stitches and switched to a size smaller hook. Now it works.

    • It’s great that you could solve the puzzle and make the scarf come out the way you wanted. It’s great that your granddaughter asked for it!

  • I will be making hats & scarfs this year. For once,I have never found such beautiful yarn as I have found the past couple of years.Mfg Co are finally getting the message.Shops I have found recently are the JoAnn and Hobby lLobby.Basic stores like Walmart etc carry the basic colors.
    Also I have made xmas ormanents for my tree and a xmas skirt, so I had an old fashion country xmas.
    Anyway thanks for your interest in the industry.

    Barbara H

  • Just started using the knitting board this year so I have made a lot of scarves.
    Hoping to do more by next year.
    Wilma M.

  • I am making crocheted dish clothes and crocheting around kitchen “scrubbies” and will give one of each to some special friends. I’m also making glass jewelry pendants but do that at an art studio.

  • I like the idea of doing hand-knit washcloths. Sounds like something I could actually afford to do as well as it being a practical gift. I’m going to start looking for patterns and get started soon! Yikes … it is November!

  • I am doing a stash buster project and doing afghans as fast as I can. I am using two strands of yarn together. Working great so far. Also doing lots of grandma’s fav knitted dishcloths for family. Lots of fun.

  • My local library has a “mitten tree” for kids & adults who need hats, scarves, and mittens. I usually see a great deal of store-bought items on the tree, but decided to call and ask if they would accept home-made items, too. Thankfully they said “yes.” So now in between sending out resumes, I am crocheting mittens in the round from a super-easy mitten pattern I found on Google. Even I don’t have much money for yarn (and I always check the second-hand stores for bargains), I have no qualms about spending what little money I do have on yarn to keep someone’s hands warm during our freezing Wisconsin winters. It’s the least I can do.

  • My local library has a “mitten tree” for kids & adults who need hats, scarves, and mittens. I usually see a great deal of store-bought items on the tree, but decided to call and ask if they would accept home-made items, too. Thankfully they said “yes.” So now in between sending out resumes, I am crocheting mittens in the round from a super-easy mitten pattern I found on Google. Even I don’t have much money for yarn (and I always check the second-hand stores for bargains), I have no qualms about spending what little money I do have on yarn to keep someone’s hands warm during our freezing Wisconsin winters. It’s the least I can do.

  • The best gifts I got were the items my grandmother crocheted and knitted for me.
    I still have an afghan that she made for me and she has been gone for about 18 years.
    I make items for the people that have expressed gratitude and appear to like them. I don’t make things for those who do not like my crocheted items.
    The best feedback was from my granddaughter, who told me she wears her shawl I made her to school everyday. Her friends wanted to know where she got the shawl, cause they had to have one.
    She replied “I don’t think so, my grandma made it for me.”

    • Wow, you really captured an important part of hand crafted gifts. You think of the person every time you use it.

  • I am having money problems, can’t keep enough to buy all the things we need. So I decided that we, our families do not have enough pot holders. There are some pretty little ones in the store so why not. I have one done so far a bigger project then I realized so I wrote everyone in their Christmas cards that my gifts will be in Jan. I guess that I’m lucky that way because every one knows I’m always late….

  • Don’t know…I have made 3 ponchos in my “career”—all Homespun, all lovely (2 were the Coming Home, one I designed myself). None worn. Crocheted my daughter a coat, not worn. So I kinda got bummed…also used to crochet ornaments, but my eyes got too bad for doing the cotton thread crocheting anymore…so I guess I’ll pass again this year.

    • Instead of doing something so specific, why not try afghans or afghans with sleeves? Depending on where you live, they are always useful. Lighter weight yarns for warmer climates and bulky yarns for colder climates. And if your receipients don’t appreciate them, you can always donate them to a hospital or nursing home. Don’t let a couple past downers destroy your giving spirit.

  • Don’t know…I have made 3 ponchos in my “career”—all Homespun, all lovely (2 were the Coming Home, one I designed myself). None worn. Crocheted my daughter a coat, not worn. So I kinda got bummed…also used to crochet ornaments, but my eyes got too bad for doing the cotton thread crocheting anymore…so I guess I’ll pass again this year.

  • I make my gifts each year – hats, scarves, beaded wristlets, mittens, shawls, socks. I knit and crochet – also wash fleeces, comb and dye them (use Kool Aid and frosting colors (non chemical) – spin and ply them – sometimes add sparkle fibers when plying or fuzzy or fur fibers, Also comb mixtures on drum carder such as alpaca, mohairs, etc – or wild colors that blend and spin “cool”..not enough hours in the day to do it all – also am weaving on a triangle loom…doing a plaid shawl..love to knit lace or charts…love your patterns (yarn too) – thank you…Annie R in Ohio among the Amish in the hills….retired news editor….

  • I’m making one of my favourite patterns again this year, a crochet nativity by Gourmet Crochet, it’s one of my favourites and I try to make one every year to give to someone else 🙂 I also like to go to a craft store and buy fun boxes (last year was plastic chinese take out boxes like you see on tv) and fill them with several items with each friends colours and a theme in mind, last year’s theme was relaxation and there were slippers, a book mark, sleep mask and a small animal, two of my friends got cats made of the same colours their cats are coloured in. I’ve never had anyone who was anythign but pleased with my hand made gifts, or my moms. I think that person was just trying to stir up s***

  • This year’s Christmas knitting started in July! I crocheted a shawl for my mother using the V-stitch featured in one of Lionbrand’s patterns. I have knit two pairs of socks for hubby, and may do a third pair if time permits. I have finished a cabled hat for my daughter and am presently working on the matching scarf. And for me… I am working on a glittery camisole to wear to the company Christmas party. The front is almost finished! I have started a crop-top sweater for my daughter, but she might not get it until her birthday, which is New Year’s Eve!

  • Christmas has become so commercialized (is that a real word) that it lost a lot of its meaning for me. There have even been a couple of years that I haven’t decorated or put up a tree, I’ve been so frustrated by all the hype. This year I’m taking myself back-to heck with everyone else. I’m going to make my gifts this year. I’m so tired of spending money and then not even hearing “Thank You”. This year the gifts I give will be what my heart tells me to make for each person. It might not be what they’re expecting, not big ticket items, but each piece will be made with love, straight from the heart.

    • I really like this thought, “This year the gifts I give will be what my heart tells me to make for each person.”

    • Last year I made fleece ‘snuggies’ (blankets with sleeves) for all the women I give gifts to, even sending one to South Carolina. I chose colors they liked, or that I thought would be a good color for them, and they were very well received. No one told me that’s what they wanted, but living in western NY, our winters here can get very cold. Gifts from the heart are ALWAYS appreciated.

  • I have to admit, I think I love the things I make much more than the people I might give them to so I struggle with whether I should make things for others. Usually when I make something for myself, I never get people complimenting me, asking me if they could have one made or if they could learn from me how to make one. As a result, I don’t make things for people. It’s so much more enjoyable to make them for myself anyway 🙂

  • I love making gifts for my family. I started making my gifts by hand when I was a poor college student and could only give one gift per person. My family always loves the things I make and sometimes request presents for the next year! I started early this year since I have so many things I wanted to make. I’ve already crocheted scarves for my Mom, Grandma, and Grandpa and hats for my sister and brother-in-law. I’m working on a purse for my sister and I want to make gloves for my Mom, a sweater for my boyfriend, and stuffed animals for my nieces and friend’s son. Whew! I hope I finish it all in time. I love the challenge of making everything, and a few of the projects I even designed myself!

  • Thank goodness for the dark evenings. I will be spinning and hopefully knitting over the christmas break, roll on ten days of doing nothing but eating, partying with friends and family and hopefully knitting. What joy. I have been asked by several people to make them things before Christmas, so during the break it will only be things for me. Selfish i know, but with ten days, i might just finish something for myself.

  • I have always tried to foster the idea of handmade gifts in my grandchildren. To this day, my 2 youngest (10 and 11) still make their Christmas gifts every year. I help them get the supplies, and they do the crafting. They are very proud of their accomplishments, and the family they give them to are very appreciative. One year it was ornaments made from my button box; last year it was handmade Christmas cards that could be hung on the tree. This year the youngest is making birthstone pins for all the females on her list. To all those who craft their Christmas gifts, why not get the children involved in making their own gifts? They will get a sense of pride and also a sense of what Christmas is all about.

    • Children do love making and giving gifts. That’s a good idea!

  • I am making crocheted curly-Q scarves out of Holiday Homespun for my daughter’s employees, and for family members for Christmas. My daughter’s employees, mostly in their 20’s, LOVE the things I make for my daughter, especially since their moms do no needlework. For them, any handmade items are really appreciated, which makes me feel as if I’ve done something really worthwhile!

  • First for anonymous – I’ve had the heartbreak of knitting a sweater that my daughter never wore. But I’ve had the joy of knitting a baby blanket that turned into “blankie” and went everywhere the grandchild went. So don’t give up!
    What am I making for Christmas, well, I’m always knitting, but all I’m making for Christmas is cookies.

  • I am knitting a zippered sweater and a hat for my younger cousin this year. As a new knitter it’s all I can manage. Next year I hope to do more knitted gifts!

  • I am crocheting my mom a loose barrette hat, it took me a month to figure out what color she would like haha. i am using knitting looms to make my mother in law a set of mittens and hat that match a scarf i made her last year, if i can find the holliday green again this year (crossing my fingers). I am making all the dogs (7 Dachshunds & 2 Maltese) in our family knit/ crochet jackets. It is especially hard to find long coats for the wieners. I am making hats and scarves for the boys with their names/ or initials. my sister in law just had a baby so i am going to take on a quilting project making a puff ball changing pad. im crossing my fingers my quilting skills are good enough to complete it before christmas. lol. thanks for the topic! Good luck EVERYONE on getting your projects done in a pinch. Happy Hobbies!

  • I am making all kinds of crochet items for my family. They request things all the time and I am happy to make them. I also crochet for charity.

  • yamaha r6…

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