And We're Off!

The race has begun. There are only 38 days until Christmas. Which for a knitter or crocheter is NOT a lot of time, right?

I'm starting to wonder already if I've bitten off more than I can chew. I can't share too many details here for fear of ruining the surprise for the lucky recipients, but.... EEK!!!! And, of course, I'm finding more intriguing patterns just about daily.

I mean, just look at this gorgeous trio of Christmas trees by the Fiber Fool, Kristi Schueler. I spotted these guys around this time last year, and have yet to knit them up. The only question is, do I make them for myself or for someone on my list? Pretty sure I'm going to be selfish with this one! If I've been pining (pun inadvertent, but I'm keeping it) for a year now, they must be mine.

Of course, with snow looming, the chill is setting in. How can I resist knitting up the Northman Cowl by Desiree Bowman? It looks so versatile! I bet it would be great worn around the head as well!

And another cowl I have my eye on....'cause cowls are the thing this year. The Listado Cowl by Laura Nelkin. Isn't it fabulous?

There's something about the little belt and button on this hat that really calls to me. It's sweet and cute and sophisticated all at once. Vintage, yet trendy. It's Maggie, Vintage Style Cabled Cloche by Tina Sanders.

And this caught my eye as well. My youngest is afraid of the shadows in her room....and the moving eyes of her toys after dark. We've found that a great solution is a sleep mask. We bought her one with embroidered monster eyes. Wish I'd seen this one first! Time permitting, it just may end up under the tree for her! Jessica Schleicher's "Eye See You Sleep Mask" -- just look at the detail in those eyes!

And if that wasn't enough cuteness for you, how about this little guy? Cheeky Little Monkeys by Tanya Brooks. Too. Flippin'. Cute.

Think there's time for it all? Probably not, but I aim to try!!!! Thankfully, some of these are selfish knits, so they can wait until after Christmas. Except for the trees. They may have to be done by next weekend when the Christmas decor goes up!

***All photos used with permission of the designer. These are some fabulous ladies, seriously. Check out their pages on Ravelry (linked names) and take a peek at all the loveliness they have to offer.***