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Handcrafted

I have some handcrafted gifts (knitted and otherwise) that I can't show you, but here are a few items I can!

 
After discovering that sock blockers are not always easy to find in local shops, I talked my dad into making some for a yarn shop near me.  Aren't these neat?  They are made from a Colorado pine that was destroyed by beetle kill.  Interestingly, the disease  gives the wood this lovely silvery-blue quality.  Normally pine is more yellowish like the stripe in the toe, here.  Beetle kill has claimed over two million trees in Colorado.  We heard a lot about it on the news a few years ago, and one could drive down the highway and see waves of brown in our normally green hillsides.  It is no longer a hot topic and we don't hear it on the news much anymore.  My dad is also making some sock blockers from (non-beetle kill) dead pine which was cleared out to reduce the fire danger to the live trees nearby.  (I don't have pictures of those.)  I told my dad I would gladly take a pair of these for Christmas, if he has some left.  Maybe I'll find some in my stocking - ha!  

And I have been making more baskets; Matt and Jen asked BFJ if I was, so here's a picture.  I am hoping to fill these with baked goodies for special neighbors and teachers this holiday season.  


Are you watching Project Runway?  I am sometimes surprised at the beautiful craftsmanship of people who make things "by hand," one piece at a time.  Although sometimes the lack of craftsmanship makes me feel like I am not so far behind.  I am looking forward to seeing the final collections!

I hope you're having fun making something for someone you love, even a simple handwritten card.  Christmas is right around the corner!  (There's just no stopping it, Anna.) 

Comments

  1. Beautiful work on both your parts. The sock blocks are so pretty...even if you weren't to use them for socks :o)

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  2. I can see those sock blockers hung up as Christmas decorations! And since I don't knit (yet), I don't even know what you're supposed to do with them!

    Your baskets are so cute! Clever idea for Christmas.

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  3. Well, ok, you're allowed to mention Christmas now that Halloween is over! I need to get in gear though.

    I looks like you're well on your way. Those little bags are adorable out of the Christmas fabric. And those sock blockers are beautiful. We were shocked by all the brown trees when we drove through the Rockies this past summer. So, so sad!

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  4. I am awestruck by Project Runway. I can't believe what they can do in such a short time.

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