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Handmade Gifts

I really enjoy making gifts for other people but I wonder how the receivers feel.  I know there are some people who really like a handmade gift and appreciate the effort and time that went into it, but on the downside, when you get a handmade gift that just "isn't you" or doesn't fit, there's no exchanging it.  This year, I tried to keep my handmade gift projects limited to people I thought would enjoy them the most, or things specifically mentioned.  The exception is that I can't help making cute little sweaters for my niece and goddaughter, so I think they are going to be stuck with some crazy-Aunt-Karen gifts!  Hopefully when they're old enough to start telling me what they want, I will not take it personally.  Or maybe they'll think my stuff's wicked-awesome fashion and ask for more!  Anyway, here are my handmade gifts for the year.

Saroyan  for Kristina


As you can tell from the photos, I finished it last spring!  I have always wanted to try one of Liz's patterns and really enjoyed this one.  It is written in a way that allows you to make the shawl as wide and as long as you want.  I went by the yarn I had and it ended up between a scarf and a shawl but will keep your neck nice and warm!  It is sort of the shape of my favorite scarf.  I knitted a sample out of this yarn for Marly in 2009 and wanted to knit another project with it.  Wool gives this yarn stability and the bamboo content gives the yarn a nice sheen and more warmth.  I was thinking of Kristina when I started this project and when I got done, it seemed like it definitely wanted to belong to her!

Pattern:  Saroyan by Liz Abinante - free!
Yarn:  Bamboo Ewe from Debbie Stoller, Lipstick red
Ravelry details here.

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Socks  for my mom



My mom loves handknit socks so I had intended to make her more than one pair through the year but I just did not have the time.  However, I did start this pair for her in August.  I traded Dawn some pictures of her Autism hat pattern for this yarn.  It was nice to work with.  The pattern is from Sensational Knitted Socks and the only problem I had is that I misplaced the book after the first sock.  Now I could have borrowed this book from several different friends, had I not altered the pattern slightly.  Agh!  I did manage to get the second sock knit up by following the first sock.  Unfortunately I did not have these done by present-opening time but I finished them before I left my mom's house.  (I also had to undo my cast on row because the cuff was too tight.  I just put all the stitches on needles as I undid the row, and bound it back off with the EZ Sewn Bind off.  I really like this bind off, it's flexible; here's a video if you want to see it.)

Pattern:  3x3 Cable with Moss Stitch by Charlene Schurch
Yarn:  Louet Gems in Charcoal from Ms.Yarn
Ravelry details here.


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Eyelet Sweater for my niece



Wow, this post has lots of craft drama!  This project was no exception!  Someone gave me this yarn and I thought the texture was really fun.  I found this sweater online and thought it looked like a fun knit.  I swatched my yarn and my gauge was a little small so I thought I would knit my own size between the sizes available.  This would probably have been fine if I had picked the right sizes to work between but when I tried it on her in November, somehow I made it too small!  I had enough yarn to start over so I did, and the second time I went by the 3T size.  Since I knew the pattern already, it came together really quickly.  I used vintage buttons of my grandmother's for the closure.  I don't actually know that this sweater fit my niece, but hopefully it does!

Pattern:  Eloise Eyelet Sweater by Lion Brand Yarn - free if you sign up to their website
Yarn:  JoAnn Sensations Stellina, red, 3 1/2 balls
Ravelry link.


And my finally project was not a knit!  I wrote it all up but I am having a lot of problems getting my pictures to load and this one is absolutely refusing.  I'll see if I can post it later.



*In weather today, we've had snow falling ALL DAY!  Finally.

**And on a personal note, BFJ and I have been married fifteen years this week.  And he's still my best friend. 


Comments

  1. Hi Karen,I know how you feel about giving handmade gifts. I always like to give it to someone I know will appreciate it, especially after putting so much work/love into it. All of your gifts are beautiful!! Oh and congrats on 15 years ~ sounds like you're on your way to many more.

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  2. The socks are wonderful! Your dad was bragging about them when we were at our neighbors' home last night - unknown to him, I had them on and was able to show them off. Lots of oohs and ahs about your "fine detail"! Thank you! And 15 years is a great milestone!

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  3. Your handmade gifts are wonderful. If someone does't appreciate...cut them off! Glad you finished the socks, they look great.Happy 15 years! Happy New Year.

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  4. Beautiful gifts! And Happy Anniversary!

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  5. Love your knits! that shawl is on my list too. Happy New Year to you! and happy 15 years - it just keeps getting better!

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  6. Happy Belated Anniversary! (Did you tell me what day? I've lost a whole two weeks of my memory! Ours was the 27th.)

    BEAUTIFUL projects, as always Karen. I so love seeing what you are up to. I LOVE LOVE the edge on that shawl. And the socks and little sweater are just gorgeous. You've Rocked the Knitting!!!

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  7. I feel the same way about giving knitted gifts.

    Your knits look great!! Glad you were able to finish the 2nd sock before leaving your mom's house :)

    Happy belated anniversary, too!!

    ReplyDelete

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