Wrap turned Ugly Blanket

So, making my way through my crochet binder and came across this: 

Easy enough summer knit. I pictured myself wearing it around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and reliving old memories. Then I remembered that I haven't been camping in ages, and Missouri summer nights are not like Wisconsin summer nights. They are hot, and sticky, and I would never be able to wear this anyway. So instead of making 2 panels, I just kept on going. I have a huge stash of yarn that must go and it's going in the form of an ugly blanket, er, retro blanket. 

I will be posting the pattern for anyone who may actually want to make and use the wrap. Its really easy, just double crochet the whole way! 

A Homemade Christmas

Homemade Christmas 2011 was a success! And more rewarding than I think we all imagined. My family is so amazingly talented! 

Here's some of what was made: 

My brother made our dad an amazing walking stick. This pic does not do it justice. He even carved in my dad's initials and a quote. Beautiful. 

This is the hat I made for dad. It says DIG IT! Not to be confuse with digit... My dad worked as a backhoe operator for most of his life and owns his own Dynahoe. Still working hard even though he's technically retired. 

This is the painting my brother made for Hubs and I. We love it. This, weirdly, reminds us of the Wisconsin/Minnesota we miss. 

This is what I made for mom. She was a tough one. I hope she likes it. 

This is what dad made for Hubs. A "manly" desk organizer as he called it. 

This is the less manly? organizer he made me. Love it! Made from 100 yr old reclaimed wood. It smells so good. Sometimes you just got to stop to sniff the wood, you know?

This is the quilt mom made for Hubs and I. We love it! As do the cats. It's so beautiful and perfect. She did a fantastic job!

Here's my sister's gift to Hubs...I brought it home to finish...

Here's my sis's gift to me. Finished. She's more of a sewer than knitter. It's a knitting needle travel thing so I don't have to lug my big bag around on a plane. Super cute!

This is the hat I made for my sis. The moment I came across it I knew I had to make her one. Hope she wears orange while wearing it. 

Well that's not everything but most. My husband's contribution was making food. He made 2 breakfasts, and his amazing bread pudding. 


Reasons to love a homemade Christmas

1. I didn't have to fight the crowds at the mall. Seriously, that was a wonderful, albeit strange feeling. 
2. It's super personal. Not only is it handmade, but handmade for you. So much thought is put into each gift. You're not just giving a generic "one fits all" gift. 
3. Because we currently live far from family it was like being able to take a piece of everyone home with me. Every time I look at our gifts I can't help but think of my family and get a warm and fuzzy feeling.
4. Depending on what you decide to do it can be relatively low cost. The hats cost only a few bucks in yarn. The desk organizers were made from wood dad already had. The walking stick was found in the woods. 
5. Appreciation. You know the work that went into it, and how much you put into yours. You now love it that much more. 

Well, I know Christmas is over, but I hope you consider this idea for the next. I know we are doing it again and this time we have the whole year to decide and make everyone something unique and awesome! 

Hope everyone had a great Christmas, and very happy new year!! Can't wait to see what 2012 has to bring!!!!!