#13 - KNITTING IN SLOW MOTION

From Knitting, etc.

Everything is overwhelming me right now, so it makes sense that I start a knitting project that is simple and laid-back. Not to mention that it's the end of November, and I have yet to complete even one holiday gift. So, I've started up my first one - the Building Blocks Scarf from Interweave Holiday Knits.  I'm knitting this up in the gorgeous Nako yarn that a fine gentleman bought for me in Turkey this summer.  45 balls of this have been sitting in my stash, impatiently awaiting the right project, and I love this yarn in a dense garter stitch.  I think one of my lovely lady friends will like the saturated colors, the softness from the cashmere, and the slight sheen the bamboo brings.

Otherwise, my knitting progress is at a crawl, due to schoolwork and applications and exams and whatever else has landed on my plate until Wednesday.  Until then, I'll take a yarn break from time to time with this easy-to-knit scarf and hope I get some more projects on the needles soon!  What are your favorite handmade holiday projects?  I'm sure there are some amazing ideas out there that I've yet to see.

#12 - ETSY LUSTING

Etsy: Your place to buy & sell all things handmade superhiprachel.etsy.com

hello friends.  in lieu of a post documenting some yarny progress, i wanted to share some of my favorite things for sale on etsy right now.  i could spend hours browsing the handspun yarns, unique jewelry, holiday knick-knacks, and fun accessories.  as always, i highly recommend etsy for holiday shopping - buy handmade, sustainable, thoughtful gifts for your friends and family!  and feel free to buy some of these lovely little items for me, wink.

there is some knitting in progress, including baby knits; holiday gifts; and a fun addition to the Jacques Cousteau hat, which was rather well received by its owner.  in the meantime, what are your current etsy faves?

#11 - MAKING PROGRESS

From Knitting, etc.

The Cousteau hat is complete!  Excuse the poorly-framed photograph, but it's hard to get good shots when no one is around to help.  It looks a little awkward, mainly because it's a little too big for my head, but I'm pretty happy with the way this one turned out.  The Cascade Heritage sock yarn doesn't halo, stretches nicely, and has a good sheen to it.  Hopefully I'll get a few additional photos (especially to detail the crown of the hat, which is my favorite part) when it is received by its rightful owner.

Now, I feel like there's so much more to make.  I admit that my progress on that tiny, stripey, baby sweater has been a little pathetic... but I think my enthusiasm is returning.

From Knitting, etc.

Plus, the upcoming holiday season has me in the mood to get knitting, especially after getting my hands on this year's Interweave Holiday Gifts issue!  Some major stashbusting is in the works.  And I finally have plans for some of that magnificent Turkish cashmere-bamboo yarn.  My friends and family will be on the receiving end of some swell goods if all goes according to plan.  Keep high hopes for me, folks.