Mayhaps I was a bit too ambitious in my Christmas knitting projects; unfortunately, it’s too late to turn back now. Let’s do a progress check.
1. Vivian cardigan.
This is the sweater I’m knitting for my daughter, and it’s the one that will definitely be ready. Over Thanksgiving, I carried out my blindfold and camisole threat. The sweater fit her very nicely. Whew. (I took photos, but somehow I don’t think she’d appreciate my posting them.)
All of the knitting is finished. Yesterday, I sent the sweater off to my ultra-top secret zipper queen whose identity none of you will ever guess. So one project down.
2. Throw/blanket for my son.
I can’t show you progress pictures or discuss this in detail because it’s an as yet unreleased pattern and I am basically a test knitter. The key word, in terms of Christmas projects, is “blanket.” What was I thinking? It’s about half done. That also means it’s about half not done.
3. Open Cable Cardigan for my husband.
This project has been on the back burner to use a technical knitting term. I pulled it out again after mailing Vivian to the zipper queen. Hmmm. I thought I was almost to the armholes. I’m nowhere close.
I can’t show you what it will look like because it’s all in my head. My imaginary sweater is lovely; let’s hope it turns out. Here is what I have thus far.
There is an open cable running up each side of the sweater, dividing the fronts from the back. I plan to have one running up the middle of each sleeve as well. The yarn is City Tweed HW by Knitpicks in the colorway “Tabby.” I had bought that yarn for myself — my husband actually likes scratchy, rough wools. However, he saw this and loved the color so I’m using it for him. (Anyone need/want sweater quantity of some scratchy, rough, manly wool? ‘Cause I had already bought some for him and now I don’t know what to do with it.)
So, it’s three weeks until Christmas and I have to knit half a blanket and virtually all of a sweater. Who could have done this to me? I have no enemies.
From Susan — Thine enemy is thyself.
Comment by Zipper Queen — December 3, 2009 @ 1:39 pm
You can do it! Let the magic of Christmas take over your needles 🙂
Comment by Allyson — December 3, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
“…almost to the armholes.” Heh heh. That’s pretty
delusionalfunny!Comment by livnletlrn — December 3, 2009 @ 2:32 pm
Dear Susan,
ALmost one year ago (Dec. 21)I asked you to help with suggestions for knitted hats for a dear friend who was battling breast cancer. You asked your readers and despite the “frenzy” of the season, many wonderful knitter sent suggestions for hats and yarns. I knit several as well as a prayer shawl and am writing tonight to let you know my friend is doing extremely well and just left New England (70 degrees today!) for warmer temperatures in Key West for the next three months. She had extensive surgery, chemo, and radiation and is in remission today. Her hair has grown back and life is good. Please extend a heartfelt thanks to all your readers who represent the kindness and love of the
holiday season! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart…wishing you all the blessings of this holiday season…today and always!
Comment by Maureen — December 3, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
Dear Sally,
I was planning a “relaxing” holiday season this year…no pressure for knitting Christmas gifts for anyone! Until I decided last week to knit an Irish knit sweater (child’s size 6) for my granddaughter and a sweater for my husband. I seriously need to be committed…what is wrong with me? 🙂 I love the fact that we’re in the same boat…happy sailing! 🙂
Comment by Maureen — December 3, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
Blanket? I have known people to knit blankets for holiday gifts, but they weren’t actually sane people.
Good luck – the sweater looks like it will be a joy to work on, at any rate.
Comment by twinsetellen — December 3, 2009 @ 8:22 pm
I had a feeling the zipper queen was your ‘sis…..it’s good to have a support network when it comes to Christmas knitting. I have faith that you will have everything complete and your gift recipients will be absolutely delighted. Can’t wait to see the blanket, please post when you’ve completed it. Good luck!
Comment by Ann — December 4, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
Don’t you just love the Knit Picks City Tweed? I just knit a hat with it, and now I want to knit MORE with it! Very nice (especially for the price). And, Susan? It’s Good to be Queen!
Comment by Kym — December 4, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
While I’m sure your blanket is far more magnificent than mine… I, too, am half way done, not done with a blanket Christmas gift. AURGH!!! What WAS I thinking?! I feel your pain. 😉
Comment by Arline — December 5, 2009 @ 11:01 am
To me, installing a zipper for someone is an act of true love. I dream of Tom Sawyer-ing people into weaving in ends for me but I think that’s a little too transparent.
Comment by GinkgoKnits — December 6, 2009 @ 5:31 am