Thursday, December 22, 2011

Some Last Minute Projects and a Merry Christmas

I have been busy this week trying to get some last minute things completed.  Have I wrapped presents?   No.  Sent cards?  No, for the first time in 20 years.  I have been busy and trying to carve out a little time to myself.  When things are really crazy around my house, or when I just need some time to myself I often retreat to my room where I can work on whatever project is on my loom. I have showed you my rectangle loom before.  I had it set up to make this long cotton scarf and I have been piddling away on it whenever I get the chance.
 This loom is really interesting.  You can only set it up so the side width is divisible by the length.  Which is often the exact width and length you think you would like until you take everything off the loom and the width suddenly becomes a lot smaller and the length a lot longer.
 This simple cotton yarn I got on sale at my local yarn shop was perfect for this weaving project.  It had a good soak and the fibers really connected beautifully.  See the spaces when the scarf is on the loom? They have come together beautifully in the finished product.  I love weaving, it is such a nice way to work with yarn.
 As the scarf above is finished projects number 50 for me for the year, below is 51.  This quick shawl is a present for my friend Terri.  She doesn't read my blog so I am safe showing it to all of you.  This yarn came in a big ball with the fringe already cut up from Alp Oriental Just For You.  Do you remember the last shawl I knitted and posted about a few days ago, a gift from my friend Amy?  This is the same pattern.  You get this beautiful ball of yarn, cast on and start knitting.  As you move on the yarns change so it is really fun to see what is next.  Terri's favorite color is purple so when I saw this I knew I had to make it for her.
 I hope she likes it.  It isn't very long and I wish they had more fringe but other than that it was a fun, quick knit to make for a friend.
 Her Highness reached her peak in color two days ago.  I couldn't grab my camera to catch her beauty, but I think she still looks amazing.  I decided to read up about the Orchid Cactus or better known as the Christmas Cactus.  Basically everything I read I am doing wrong.  She gets too much sun and water.  I never prune back her leaves.  I don't put her in a dark room with very little water for two months so she will bloom.  So I am just going to keep doing what I was before, lots of sun and water, and lots of humidity.  I will bring her in if we get near freezing and I will continue to re-pot her as she needs that every year.
I leave you with a knitting Santa and an Elf holding a ball of yarn.  Love this gift from some friends a few years ago.

10 comments:

Floortje said...

It is so wise to take some 'me time' when things get too hectic....otherwise, we would go insane wouldn't we?.... So good for you! And both the scarfs are lovely. The knitting Santa and Elf are perfect gifts for you, you're friends really had you in mind when they bought them. Happy Christmas! Floortje

Annaboo's House said...

Oh, I just love that you can weave- is there any end to your amazing talents?!!!!
Gorgeous shawl, too- fabulous colour changes.
And a knitting Santa?? Genius!!!
Have a wonderful Christmas.
Xx

Rose Red said...

I have never seen a knitting Santa! Very cute!

The red scarf looks gorgeous. It is a great idea to have a little me time at such a busy time of year.

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas.

Anonymous said...

That red scarf looks lovely! Such a pretty weave :) I also adore the little knitting santa! How precious is that? Love it!
~Lacey

Susan H. said...

Your red scarf looks great. I love when you share your loom photos with us. Such a neat thing. When I was younger we used to go to a place called Art Park near Niagara Falls, NY. They had huge looms there and I was always too young to try them. By the time I was old enough to be able to use them Art Park was no longer offer the same great art activities they used to.
Merry Christmas!!
xo Susan

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Meredith, wow am I impressed, still making gifts. They are so beautiful. I love the scarf made on the loom and the shawl. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!! xoRobin❤

Grateful4Crochet said...

Love your knitting Santa- he's adorable!!
Love the scarf as well- I still love the scarf I got from you- I love it to pieces, even though its currently a wee bit too warm to wear!!!
Hope you adn yoru lovely family have a great holiday, and a lovely Christmas.
Take care
xx

Teresa Kasner said...

Gorgeous red shawl, my dear.. you wove it beautifully! I also love the other one, I just know the recipient will love it, who wouldn't? Do take some time to chill out.. it's important.
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
*M*E*R*R*Y* *C*H*R*I*S*T*M*A*S*!*
❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉ ❉
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Claudia said...

As always, your work is beautiful, sister. We wish you were here with us - Don said, "Tell her to come up!" If only.

Love you,
Claudia

Susanne said...

I am so glad that I am not the only one who is trying to finish up last minute things for Christmas. I will have to say that this year I seemed to be a bit ahead of the game. I spent several hours wrapping gifts early and it took hours because I kept walking away from it. A few years ago I didn't send cards and my sil made the comment, "didn't you find that liberating?" No, I didn't, I felt like there was something missing that year. She of all people can afford to send cards but never does. Somehow once you get past the hustle of the holiday it isn't so bad. I always vow to do better the next year and stay on top of the game. I am already planning next Christmas, I guess because the things I didn't get done this year are on top of my "to do" list. Somehow that makes me feel better, lol. I consider myself blessed to have gained so many new blogging friends this year. Have a Merry Christmas and New Year.
{{{HUGS}}} Susanne :)