Monday, October 15, 2012

Holiday Knitting

There's nothing quite as fun as knitting something for someone else, especially if you knit for people you know will appreciate it.  Since I learned to knit last year at Christmastime, this is the first year that I am able to actually do "holiday knitting".  It was so exciting to carefully select each pattern and just the right yarn for everyone on my list.  Well, except for The Husband.  Nothing I could knit would reach the financial investment required for an acceptable gift for The Husband, unless I made it out of Rumpelstiltskin's spun gold...

It was the very beginning of September when I amassed my patterns and yarn with a sparkle in my eyes and visions not of sugarplums, but of completed, professional-looking garments that would thrill and amaze my family and friends.

Ho, Ho, Holy crap!  What was I thinking????

So here we are in the middle of October and I've only managed to complete one (1) of the gifts on my Jolly Christmas List.  I do have two other items that are about 60% completed.  And then there are the, let's see...SEVEN (7) other projects that need to be done by December 25th.  That's right, not-so-lucky number seven.  I've got the patterns, I've got the yarn (well, mostly), but here are the things I didn't count on when I figured out my time management schedule:  sleeping, taking showers, cooking, eating, conversing with The Husband - you know, things that generally have to be done on a regular basis.

Oops...my bad.

For those of you who have knitted for years, I'm sure you began laughing hysterically when you read "the very beginning of September", but my being new to this holiday knitting stuff, I was naively optimistic.  And so, panic has set in.  I mean, there is no Plan B.  I've already invested the money.  These objects MUST be completed in the time alotted.  I'd take a valium, but it would slow down my knitting...


Anyone else out there ever overestimate their ability to finish on a deadline?  Any tips for someone who's in deep?  Do tell!

8 comments:

  1. I said I would do my grandkids a sweater last year as well as cowls for everyone. I agreed to this the first week of November. I also had to do this in time to mail the gifts. Well, the girls and their American Girl Dolls got shrugs, the boys got a vest (no sleeves, hahahahaha) and my hubby got his sweater.

    Lisa it is called no sleep and sore fingers and swearing that I will start by July.

    I really started in February. That way you don't hate knitting by the time you have to mail them.

    Leona

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    1. Did you take pictures of what you made last year? I'd love to see the work!

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  2. Do not panic...we've all been there. I don't have any advice on how to get it done other than give up sleeping, eating, working...all that normal stuff. You may have to adjust and choose some smaller/easier projects to sub in. One year (my mother has done this too) I gave two of my kids gifts that I told them they couldn't keep. Bags of yarn with partially done afghans. Sometimes it's better late than never. In any case, I wish you the best of luck.

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    1. It never would have occurred to me to give the gift "in-process"! Nice idea and one I may have to use!!

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  3. I've not started yet and I've been knitting for what seems like ever. Just be realistic on what you want to achieve and if necessary buy a few standby gifts then give what you planned to knit next year!

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    1. Hey Sue, so you've not started for gifts for this Christmas? I'm encouraged!

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  4. No panic, Lisa. It is little tooooo early to worry. :) I am sure you will enjoy knitting anyway making great gifts. I didn't 'officially' started holiday knitting yet, so at least you're ahead of me. Feel better now? :)
    Have an awesome season and have fun knitting!

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