Christmas 2010

I have to say it was one of the nicest Christmases (so far). We got to spend time with family and friends, although more time with friends would be nice. We didn't go overboard with extravagant gifts, but just enough useful ones. And while that might sound like we gave and received socks (although I did get two pairs of Smartwool socks...) we also ended up with 3 pounds of Peet's Holiday Blend which will keep the holidays going well into 2011.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Another Mushroom

So quick and easy to make! And they look so festive on the tree. Here's where you can find the tutorial.

Christmas Mushroom

Argh! I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of the mushroom I made as a surprise...oh, well. I plan on making more since it took about 10 minutes to make. I keep seeing those little red and white mushrooms as Christmas tree decorations, and I don't know what their connection to the holiday is. Are they like the pickle, and just a manufactured tradition?

Angry Bird for Kelly

While I wish she'd never told me to get the iPhone app, I thought that this Angry Bird would be a cute gift for Kelly. Obsessively Stitching has this great tutorial, and also tutorials for the pig and blue birds. I also like the Christmas tree ornaments; if I only had more time...

I used felt for my Angry Bird instead of fleece, and hand-stitched it. Next time I will try doing some of the sewing by maching. I'd also use wool felt instead of cheesy craft felt.

Convertible Mittens for Kelly

Pair, originally uploaded by toadncat.

Love these! They are so cute, I want a pair for myself.

Kelly's hands have been cold on her walk to and from school, so I found a pattern for converitable mittens. This way her hands stay warm, but she can still use her iPod Touch.

The pattern gauge was larger than my yarn's gauge, so I used the medium size for my guide. I also traced Kelly's hand on paper so I could see if the size of the mitten was right.

These match Oso's sweater, so they can be coordinated when they go out together. I still have some yarn, so there may be a Christmas stocking for Oso...