Holidays = Crazy Woman

This year has been all about spinning for me. As a result, I've neglected my knitting most shamefully. In fact, I had only planned to knit one holiday gift—the ankle socks my mom requested long ago. So I dutifully spun up the yarn and knit the socks.

These are just plain ankle socks with a bit of alternating 2 x 2 ribbing on the instep just to keep me interested. That should have been it. Holiday knitting done!

But then something happened inside me last week. A little voice said, "You're a knitter! You must knit more gifts." And like a fool, I decided to heed that voice. Does this happen to the rest of you around the holidays? Because now I'm wondering why I do this to myself year in and year out. When I posed that question to the Professor, he just looked at me gravely. I think he was implying that no sane woman would cause herself so much stress.

Anyway, since time was limited, I decided to see how many hats I could crank out in a week. The answer for me on this particular week was four. (And during that week, I did not spin at all. No. Spinning. At. All.)

Pattern: A Hat Fit for a Boyfriend
Yarn: my own handspun, 70% superwash merino 30% alpaca, "Stormy Weather"

Pattern: Koolhaas by Jared Flood
Yarn: Knit Picks Swish worsted, Wisteria (left) and Clematis Heather (right)

Pattern: Habitat by Jared Flood
Yarn: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride superwash, gray heather

And now I will observe a moment of silence in gratitude to Jared Flood's incredible hat mojo.

You're all winners

All right, I chose a wistful title for this post. I do not actually have 55 prizes...only three. And without further ado, the winners are:

1. Jodi, whose first choice prize (only choice, actually) was the skein of handspun yarn;
2. Aisling, who will be getting her second choice prize, the Japanese stitch pattern book; and
3. Lori, who will receive the skein of Wollmeise, which was actually her first choice!

I've sent emails to all the winners, so if you are one of those three, please send me your address so I can get your prizes in the mail. (Except you, Aisling. I'll bring your prize to the next knit night you can make.)

Many thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway! It took me a while to sit down and draw the winners, so your patience is much appreciated.

Knitting and spinning posts to follow as soon as I can get some decent photos.