Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Christmas Craft-a-palooza

If you're a family member of mine, chances are you (or your children) have received a yarny gift from me at some point. This tradition may have started in the poor-college-student Christmases of yore, but it still continues today! This Christmas was no different--here are some of this season's Christmas crafts.

For my baby niece Elliana, this teddy bear (dog?), made with Lion Brand Homespun:


Who quickly made friends with Don Leon.


He'd be annoyed, but he's too busy sleeping.
Next, this heart purse for Ellie's older sister Kate.


Next, I whipped up these Tunisian crochet Christmas stockings for me and the Mister:



No fireplace, so an office door will have to do.




These stockings are huge--over 3 feet long. Great for giants with big calves.
And, the piece de resistance, the sweater I knitted for Mr. N. Yes, knitted! It took me about 3 months and 3 or 4 false starts but he loved it (and actually wears it! The pinnacle of achievement for any crafter):

It was a unisex pattern I altered to fit--I lengthened the body and sleeves three inches, and that was just barely enough. I used Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool, my favorite yarn ever! Here's Mr. N. with Mom and Dad N.


I also made the scarf  Mom N is wearing from Lion Brand Amazing Yarn. Love the beautiful color variance.

That's about it from Christmas. And now, my belated gift to my wonderful readers: gratuitous pictures of Don Leon.

We'll get back to our regularly scheduled fashion soon. Thanks for stopping by!

ps. All patterns I used can be found by clicking the links in the text above.

5 comments:

  1. How I love my sweater! Also, I couldn't stop laughing at the juxtaposition of the photos of Don: laying out on the couch, then stuck in that box. Man, that little guy is hilarious (when he's not eating my arm, that is). Can't wait for more regularly scheduled fashion!

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  2. Oh Beth,
    What a delight to see all your yarny creations. Love Ellie's bear and Kate's purse...perfect for them! That sweater for Mr N! It is really neat. Knitted, too. Sure wish I could come to your place and just sit and knit for a spell. What can be said for Don Leon? Truly a character. Take care, you two...betsy

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  3. your projects are great! And I love Don Leon - his fur matches my kitty's fur exactly!

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  4. The girls love their gifts!! Unfortunately, they're traveling across the Atlantic so there are no pics of the adoring nieces w/ their wonderful gifts. I know you spend so much love and effort on the hand-made gifts and it makes it that much more special. Just like you. :) I also love Mr. N's sweater--it's awesome. Definitely a great achievement. Don is hilarious!! Quite the character.

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  5. Your creations are great. I'm waiting patiently until I get one of the original designs with that terrific yarn. Your cat lives a charmed life and doesn't even realize it! What a character. Keep those needles clicking and whip up some more pieces. That's fantastic that you knitted Evan a sweater and he wears it. I remember when I made your dad a sport jacket in college. He loved it, but when he tried to button it there was a problem. The buttons and buttonholes were on the wrong side. That's when I learned men's and women's clothing buttons on opposite sides. Oops! Great job!

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