Ho Ho and Some FO: Christmas Socks, Crochet Gifts, and Holiday Making

Wow, I cannot believe that Christmas is only three days away. I am not happy that Thanksgiving came later this year because it really threw me off. I love Thanksgiving, do not get me wrong. I have about four totes of fall and Thanksgiving décor that go out every year. Between the boys being sick over Thanksgiving, the beginning of December, and then me being sick last Sunday, I feel like we missed part of the season.

Speaking of December, it has been cold here. We have had several nights where we could actually use the fireplace, and it has been so nice. Sitting by the fire, knitting on my Christmas socks while looking at the tree with the fire crackling in the background, has been one of my favorite moments this season.

I did get a lot of knitting done this past week since I was sick and used the “mommy sick card” to lie in bed and knit. The downside was that I was really sick. Last Sunday, I woke up at 2:30 a.m. in a cold sweat, freezing, and shaking from the chills. Monday found me in my doctor’s waiting room. After several swabs and pokes, I was told I had the flu. My doctor, who is like family, gave me a hug, told me to go home and sleep, and wished me a Merry Christmas.

I pretty much lived in our bedroom on Monday and Tuesday. My sweet hubby brought me food, drinks, and meds. By Wednesday, I was able to leave the room, but I wore a mask because we have kids and I did not want them to get sick. I had gotten my flu shot in October, and I really think I recovered faster because of a few simple at-home remedies.

Sleep was a big one, along with vitamins. I bought three pounds of oranges from a roadside vendor near my doctor’s office and ate all of them by Wednesday. I also rely on homemade rice and lavender cold packs, lots of fluids, especially hot tea, humidifiers, and layering correctly. 

So that is what works for us. Do you have any go-to remedies? I would love to hear them.

Now it is time for finished objects.

Who got their Christmas socks done? This girl did. I am so happy with them, especially since they are my first socks ever. I completely butchered the toes because I did not feel like looking up the closing stitch and just winged it. They still look good, and to a non-knitter, no one would ever know.

The socks are the Caffe Macchiato Socks by Marian Moldan.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/caffe-macchiato

I knit them using US 2 (2.75 mm) needles, with a total yardage of 326 yards.

For the main sock, I used Wisdom Yarns Marathon Socks in the North Pole colorway called Balsam Fir. I used approximately 292.8 yards of this yarn. I purchased it at Tuesday Morning in Mississippi on August 9, 2013.

For the heels, I used Red Heart Heart and Sole With Aloe in Ivory, dye lot 1831. I used about 34.1 yards of this yarn, which I purchased at Hobby Lobby on November 16, 2013. I chose a contrast heel because I have large feet and wanted to make sure I did not run out of yarn.

These socks incorporate the Fish Lips Kiss Heel by Sox Therapist. The heel is easy once you understand it, and the designer offers great support and videos.

You can see all of my project notes and progress here:
http://www.ravelry.com/projects/yarning4asmile/caffe-macchiato

Next up is a gift I made for my hubby. I am married to an adult kid, and he loves Ninja Turtles. His desk and part of our bedroom are covered in them. I decided to make him a mini Leonardo for his stocking.

This turtle is completely freehanded, but I did take notes as I went and plan on releasing the pattern in January or February.

I crocheted him using a 4.0 mm (G) hook. The yarns used include a mystery acrylic that feels like Vanna’s Choice in light brown, Red Heart Super Saver in Coffee, 75 yards of Red Heart Super Saver in Paddy Green, some beige Sayelle, and a small amount of blue scrap yarn. Most of the yarns were gifted or from my stash, with the Paddy Green purchased at Hobby Lobby.

You can see all of my notes and details here:
https://www.ravelry.com

Last but not least, I made a very fast hat for my brother. The pattern is the Simple Men’s Beanie Hat by Amanda Salazar Higgins.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-mens-beanie-hat.

I crocheted this hat using Red Heart With Love Premium in Black, dye lot 1012. I used approximately 158.8 yards of yarn. I did not make the full length suggested in the pattern and added two extra rows to the fold-up brim.

You can see my project notes here:
https://www.ravelry.com

One more thing before I go. If you are gifting handmade knitted or crocheted items this year, here are some printable gift labels that are really nice:
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BywamVDQWUXAOXpWMEY0azNhTUE/edit

I wanted to share some random pictures from the last time I posted, and with that, I will say Merry Christmas and happy yarning.