Now, if I could just remember where I put my knitting needles 
I have one big set with all the sizes, which sounds smart until you misplace it…
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That looks like a perfect sweater for anyone!
I just downloaded it…I have a goddaughter that loves anything handmade. She would love that short style sweater!
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It’s a really pretty sweater and a thoughtful gift, @Immaculata - I hope you can find your needles soon!
I finished the not-a-Christmas-present baby blanket, so I can resume with the Christmas knitting.
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Turned out so beautiful!
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Thank you! I really enjoyed the rhythm of the little cable stitches. I hope my DNe and his wife like it, too. Their baby shower is tomorrow.
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Did they like it?? I bet they did, it’s such a nice gift. I really like classic projects in neutral colours like this, it can become a family heirloom that way. They’re not tied to a specific gender or fashion trends.
I found my needles, but I haven’t started knitting properly. I almost never knit swatches but I’m glad I did now, because the swatch ended up being a very different size than expected and now I need to math.
I have been re-watching Downton Abbey lately, and watched the Christmas special today. I’m extra in the mood for Christmas crafting now! I watched it when the series first came out, and I heard the last film will be in cinemas next month. In 6 weeks or so, Mr. Imma will be on a work trip and I’ll be home alone for a bit. I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve been in a cinema in the past 10 years, but it sounds like a nice treat. But I’ve totally forgotten what the series was about so it’s a good thing it’s on Netflix!
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This is so pretty! Such a gorgeous gift!
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Thanks! The gift portion of the baby shower was a little different than we traditionally do it… everything was unwrapped and on display. It means more time to socialize and play games, less pressure for the mom be the center of attention while opening gifts. Kinda nice, really, since everyone still gets to see all the goodies and the party never slows down. I know she appreciates handknits, since that is a tradition in her family as well, and this was very much her style.
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Wow! That blanket is gorgeous!! And I love that “open present” concept for a party.
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Thank you! I would definitely recommend the pattern - free, classic style, easy without being boring. (It ended up about 40" square, using just under 1000m of worsted weight yarn.)
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Hiii! Joining in thanks to @Immaculata letting me know this thread exists!
Every year, my family exchanges gifts-adults too! I’ve addressed the subject in the past and it did not go over well. I know lots of families only buy for children, but that is not the case here. Money is tight this year, so I am ignoring all the Amazon lists and giving them things I think they will like. I’m not going to spend $50 each on 8 adults and 6 kids. The madness has to stop.
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I think a lot of families all over are scaling down the holidays…I mean, we are planning to do Thanksgiving for our family (16 people!), and it is going to cost a lot of money just for the food!
I didn’t give the older “kids” who work money for school stuff this year, just the little ones. Everyone knows money is tight, no matter what your budget is! I think creativity is going to win out this year for everyone! And…small meaningful gifts are the best in my mind…not just “stuff”.
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Agreed! My SIL is getting an updated cross stitch family portrait and with 4 people they’re going for $100+ on Etsy. They’re getting a deal! Lol
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Good to see you back here @Whistlefish! Maybe it’s because I’m a maker myself, but I appreciate handmade gifts much more than purchased ones. A purchased gift can be really nice and personal, but often it’s just a random thing someone took 5 seconds to pick and buy on an app. A handmade gift is something that someone spent time and effort on.
For my birthday, an irl friend that I’ve had for decades hand-painted a card for me. We’ve known each other since we went to school, and she always excelled at maths and had terrible grades for any creative subjects. She also had very little confidence in that area. She shielded during Covid, got bored, and started learning to paint from Youtube videos. And now she’s not only a good painter, but she’s feeling confident enough to show her painting to others. It’s such a special gift! If she bought me a book or some tea or chocolate instead, it would have been nice, but not special.
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I think it was during the Covid years that we were allowed to have people in an open setting, so invited a few people (within the rules) to my Mum’s (she had a pub and large space) for a Christmas BBQ.
Because there were a few people, I thought it would be good idea to do a lucky dip so that people didn’t feel obliged to buy for everyone. There were extras just in case and for fun.
We have been doing this ever since and “should” remove the individual present approach - we are all grown ups that have pretty much what we need. We all love the lucky dip because you get the things you can’t be bothered to buy!
I’ve still got my christmas shower gel (I have several on the go at once, depending on my mood) and washing up liquid (Huge bottle)
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Gift #4 in the works: a blanket and pillow for my niece’s “George” which is her favorite ride or die stuffy. Quilt cut, basted, and quilt lines drawn. And “bias tape” has been made. Bias tape is in quotes because it was not cut on a bias because I do not care. Lol
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That fabric is adorable! I had a monkey stuffy that looked a bit like that guy when I was little.
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Love that fabric!
I have never made my quilt binding on the bias. Does it matter if there are no curves? I don’t think so. Beautiful colors and such a fun print!
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I never use bias tape for quilts, either. No curves, no need.
That’s great fabric!
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Finished a Christmas stitching project. Not sure if I am going to gift it or keep it. I might just display it with all of my other flamingo things!
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