Happy Knitmas!

So Knitmas has arrived full force over here. Knitmas for me is the time when I knit and knit and knit and knit and apparently am still knitting up until the last minute before Christmas in order to finish all my knitted gifts. Knitmas is usually a pretty crazy time but I find that I work very well under the pressure of it… though I’m still cutting it very close as I usually do every year. Even with all the stress of it, however, I love being able to knit for my family and friends – especially the ones who appreciate it as the ones that do not either a) don’t get a gift anymore or b) won’t get a gift anymore. I really can’t waste my time and money (we all know how expensive yarn is) on people who don’t appreciate a handknit gift. What’s the point? So of course the first knit gift of the year went to my dear friend, who I have spoken about at length in several other posts.

That is the Sagano Shawl and my friend just received it tonight. She LOVED it and was so excited about it. Her husband told her she will be very stylish wearing it, and I have to agree. 😉 The yarn (Sundara FSM) is amazingly soft and has a wonderful sheen to it. I loved knitting with it!

I know a lot of people have been put off from knitting this shawl due to the myriad of P3tog all over the place. However, I must assuage any fears you may have as they are not bad *at all*. In fact, I found them very easy to knit and amazingly peaceful. If you’re looking for something that will take a little time but will be a fun and addictive knit, look no further. It took me a few of weeks to make, which isn’t that long, but still quite a bit longer than expected for a shawlette.

Pattern – Sagano Shawl by Laura Chau (rav link | project link)
Yarn – Sundara Fingering Silky Merino in Adobe (rav link | store I used)
Needle – US6 (4mm)
Cast on – November 24, 2009
Cast off – December 9, 2009
Modifications – Knit an extra 3 repeats and added two rows to edging.

Now, if instead you are looking for something addictive AND quick, look no further than the Hayworth Shawlette which I just yesterday finished for my dearest mother as a Christmas gift:

I made this in just *3* days including blocking, if you can believe it. I had an absolute blast knitting this shawlette and it is SO my mom’s style, I hope she will love it. The pattern is different in pretty much every row, which makes this a non-mindless knit item that is still easy and quick. The best of both worlds if you ask me.

Don’t ask me what I was thinking when I took the above picture as I really have absolutely no idea, LOL!

Oh and the yarn is Skinny Bugga! from The Sanguine Gryphon, which is a very nice yarn to knit with, though it isn’t as soft as other MCN sock yarns… I’m guessing due to the fact that it’s so skinny. It still makes a nice drapey fabric, though, and the color is, again, perfect for my mom. I really hope she’ll like it!

Pattern – Hayworth Shawlette by Victoria Lynn (rav link | project link)
Yarn – The Sanguine Gryphon’s Skinny Bugga! in Blue Metalmark (rav link | store I used)
Needle – US6 (4mm)
Cast on – December 16, 2009
Cast off – December 19, 2009
Modifications – None.

I have plenty of other Knitmas knits to show off but I think I will hold off on those until after Christmas… I always like to keep some thing up my sleeves. 😉 The hubby and I are heading off to California to see both our families (yes, we grew up in the same town and went to the same High School but we never met until we were both in college!). I’m not sure if I will be able to do any updating while there so just in case I can’t, Merry Christmas to all and Happy Holidays to those who don’t celebrate Christmas! My pups (along with Guapo who we’re puppy sitting right now) would like to wish you all the best holiday season ever!