She Went to a Handmade Gift Swap December 17, 2010

Once a month I get together with a fabulously eclectic group of ladies to knit and eat. A great group of gals, and a very talented bunch, as well. Tonight we had our annual Christmas gift swap, which shows just how talented they are. Though we all knit and that is the most common thread running through our lives, that isn't all we do. Our swap requirements are that it's something we made. It can be knit, but certainly doesn't have to be. Last year I got a great sewn market bag, that I have used a whole lot this year.

This year I came home with a knitted goodie! fingerless gloves. I actually helped pick out the yarn for these. It's a pattern I've been considering knitting for myself, but it keeps being moved to the back of the list because I want sweaters and leggings and socks more! So much to knit! But now I have the perfect little gloves, and they fit perfectly, and the yarn combo is fabulous!

There was a sewn banner, 2 knitted cowls, another pair of fingerless gloves, redwork embroidery, embroidered ornaments, paper and glass ornaments, a sewn wine bag (filled), homemade jam, with an turned wood oatmeal Spurtle, a sewn circular needle holder. A very talente group indeed.

I decided to bring a glassy thing. I made a necklace, but the bottom has a clasp that holds 3 emergency stitch markers. I'll be making these to sell at Spinning Yarns, but this prototype was given away tonight.

I was able to finish Christopher's sweater tonight, and start on one of the girls hot water bottle cozies! Can I make 2 before Christmas? Not sure, but if I can great, if not, I'm not stressing. I have their socks and sweaters done, and hey, who doesn't like a gift a few days after the big day? I know I sure do. While I was working on the first cozy, my friend Jen worked on a sock I'm making for Istra. Jen finished the project she was working on, so was getting antsy. I offered the sock and she added a few rows. Husband was amused that I had a "fun party knit" available.

The Christopher and Eowyn's book is available on Amazon.com now!