What Are You Knitting For Holiday Gifts?

When I move away from my lenghty list of "to do" projects, my holiday knitting is kept to a minimum (or at least that is what I tell myself).  My 4 yr old neice will be getting a princess hat and I see a backpack in a teenage neice's future.  My family knows that I am happily obsessed with knitting and are enjoying the outcome as I learn new skills.

I knit year round.. Always have serveral somethings going..

But I don't knit for occassions... I learned this lesson several years ago.. When I knit my baby sister a full length bathrobe.. with a knitted then smocked bodice and cuffs.. for Christmas She was three.. and refused to even try it for a photo.... No,,, I don't knit for dead lines anymore... Perfer to enjoy the process.. My sister is now 29 and lives to tell the story.. Grins

Peacepurl

It took me a while to get here, but now I give knitted or handspun gifts when *I* feel like it, not when there's a holiday (with an exception for baby-shower gifts, because knitting a tiny sweater on a deadline is fine by me). Knitting to a deadline just takes the fun out of it, and it's hard to feel good about the gift when I'm swearing at it for keeping me away from my "selfish" knitting!

Does anyone know about these new glow-in-the-dark yarns? I have four young grandchildren, and was thinking of making them each a hat that glowed in the dark. But am I going to discover in a few months that the yarn's treated with something that's a carcinogen.

Louise

I inherited boxes of yarn from one of my husband's aunts.  I'm knitting scarves & hats for the remaining siblings out of this stock.

It's going to be a knited holiday in general because I'm doing all sorts of hats, scarves mittens and (hopefully) a sweater.

it's helpful for me to have a goal in mind...and a justifibale reason for that stash :)

I'm making string bags for a lot of friends, they are easy (I've been traveling lately) and useful.  I don't make 'big' projects for Christmas, too stressful, plus I am a beginning enough knitter that I am still keeping most of what I make.  If I make something for a gift, it is usually not for a special occasion, but just because I think that person might like it, or in cases because they have requested I make something for them.

I don't really knit for the holidays anymore.  I love knitting baby sweaters and I have a niece 5 and nephew 4 and knitted them matching cable sweaters two years ago.  I never saw the sweaters on them.  As a result, I learned my lesson and only make things for people who ask me to and then it's during the year so I just make it and give it to them.  It's alot easier, no deadlines and the items are what they want.

Hmm..  So far it doesn't seem like there are lunatics like me out there.  My lunacy is driven by a large stash and a whole slew of expenses that I am just keeping up with, though.  So, presents for everyone!

One toy horse.

Five pairs of socks (maybe six).

One lace scarf.

One lace shrug.

One mohair-blend lace cardigan (easier than it sounds).

One head wrap thing (knitty Caliometry).

One unknown thing for my nephew (still waiting for inspiration)(maybe another pair of socks?)

Will I finish?  Yip.  I've already started, so that I can finish on time.  The socks are easy.  The only real challenge is the scarf, because it drives me nuts to work on it for more than an hour.  But it is started!  So, it will be finished.

I'm one of those that pushes to the limit, knitting for my adopted daughters coming wedding, ring pillow and accessories.  Then for the holidays I have 3 great nephews,

1 great niece, 2 adopted grandchildren, hats.  I have added

cross bones to one hat with the glow in the dark, nice.

For the first time, I am over half finished  with all my projects.

Never before!! Usually the midnight hour. Happy Knitting to all.

I am knitting a lot of nice luxury hat, scarf, sock, bag (backpacks and totes) and glove combo gifts... A few throws  for my parents and in-laws and some preemie hats (goal is anything over 50) for caps to the capital and my local NICU. I started about 5-6 weeks ago and I am about 1/3 to 1/2way done.... SInce I am home, due to a work injury, I am taking full advantage of whatever free time my two boys (4 and 9) allow me.

I am knitting shopping bags for each of my four sisters to reduce the use of plastic bags in our world and a Nicky Epstein scarf for my daughter

For the past four years I've been knitting for my significant other's family for the holidays. It started off as scarves for everyone because I didn't know them well enough to buy good gifts (no wish lists are given out, but they'd help a lot!). But then the surprising thing happened, they all loved their handknit items. So this year, Grandma get is getting the Icarus Shawl, and my future sister-in-law and her girlfriend are getting a headscarf and belt respectively (that match) from "Victorian Lace Today" I"m also making a few yoga mat bags for friends of mine. Since I stock up on Yarn over the year anyways I don't feel like I"m spending any money so its great!

I tend to knit or crochet gifts for others for financial reasons. Money is tight. Finding money for gifts AND money for crafting can be hard. Spending money on yarn gives me the fun of crafting AND takes care of the gift-situation, too. Doilies, scarves, a vest, toys for kids or for friends' pets... Not everyone gets hand-made gifts, but I do it when I can so the gift budget can be stretched a bit more. I work on the projects all year long.

So far, two Christmas stockings.  Maybe two teddy bears.

I'm knitting a DNA cabled earband, and chess-themed earband, and Ronald Weasley ipod sock, a sweater (took care of that over the summer), ornaments, a crocheted-flower scarf, a viney sweater.....I think that's it.  Possible birthday presents to be thrown in between : )  It's going to be a loooong fall.....

I am knitting I-cord bracelets which are then felted and embellished with beads. Might try a cuff felted bracelet too!!!                                                          

These are fast to do and are totally unique and fun too!

I never plan on knitting the massive number of gifts that I always seem to fixate on just before Christmas.  Three years ago it was Wonderful Wallabees for the little kids (6, I believe)  Last year it was felted clogs - 8 pairs or so - it's kind of a blur to me now.

This year I am determined to STAY AWAY from knitted gifts!  Yeah right!

Just started last week... first gift is a top-down raglan hoodie for my college daughter.  Still trying to figure out what to make for the guys.

I have been knitting gifts for the last few years, ever since my youngest went off to college.  Not only is it fun and a great customized type of gifting, but since I buy yarn on sale or, better, on a secondary market like eBay, it's much less expensive than buying presents.

The trick is to time the knitting to the date of giving.  Last year my son got a box of yarn, with a note that said I would knit it for him.  (rolling my eyes at myself)  He wears it all the time, now.

Not much this year. I am still trying to finish a lot of baby items for the latest crop of newborns -- and we are expecting our baby in December!

However I have got a pair of socks nearly done for my sister (begun in January) and I hope to knit the Ice Queen smoke ring for my mother-in-law. I have been batting away thoughts of a scarf for my father, too -- there is no way, unless I am on bedrest, I will be able to get all that knit before Christmas. (Never tried lace or Kid Silk Haze before.)

I do try to knit something for at least one or two people, every year. The recipients get rotated. :)

I've been knitting socks all summer; gifts for kids and grands,  I plan to hang one sock stuffed with the mate, along with other goodies. I'm hoping to get in some mittens and scarves as well, in between doing the FIVE new baby gifts that are looming between October and March!

I am planning on: 1 sweater for son (17),  one knitted Dalek for son (25), one lace scarf - a chance to try lace for first time and maybe a few other things - That's plenty for one Xmas.

Only one item planned right now and I'm starting tonight.  A lacy scarf for my hairdresser who has been cutting my hair for more years than I care to remember.  She always ooh's and aah's over anything I make and it makes me feel so skilled, which I'm not.

I used to cross-stitch for the holidays, which is just as time consuming as knitting if not more so (I timed my pieces, so I could finish 4 large projects a month, but I was working on them at all hours of the day around work).  The only way I find knitting or making gifts works is if you never let the recipient have any idea that they can expect something handmade.  That way if it isn't done in time for a holiday or a birthday you can just keep plugging away at it.

Of course, this works for most things except my mother in law.  Last year she asked for a scarf (and she has an aversion to wool, which I can only imagine is because she hasn't had anything wool since the 70s or earlier).  This year she asked for two pairs of socks in fairly specific colors and doesn't want any wool.  She likes to dictate her gifts, which is totally foreign to me.

I plan on making scarves and hats mostly, and Christmas Stockings for my cousin's children who still don't have an Aunt Jane stocking!

I may become inspired to do other things but I think hats are going to be the ticket for me this year - generally quick, lots of opportunity to use fun, interesting yarns in small quantities, and instant gratification!

Happy knitting!

I won't be knitting much for Christmas, I never do. Not that many I have to knit for! :) But this year I am making a friend (who comes to Canada from overseas) a Christmas stocking! I don't think he ever had one so he needs one don't you think? Especially as I will fill it when I give it to him! LOL I also plan on making him a scarf with some lovely alpaca / silk blend.

I want to make my mom a scarf with the new Ecco Cashmere I got last week, hopefully a beaded one. Other than that I will buy what people need as our christmas' are about buying or finding useful items! We have all grown out of the " I want" stage to the "I could use" stage.  Happy Holidays everyone!  PS: Plus I quilt so I have to do some quilted presents and they take up time too! heehee

I am knitting a prayer shawl for a friend, several pairs of socks and I'd like to try some of those fingerless gloves I've seen... but I have waited way too long this year and may make this a 'Jewelry' year for the most part. I've not been enthusiastic about much of anything this summer except my afternoons writing under the apple tree!

I'm going to be knitting socks for everyone, I gave them that last year and they all seemed to love them. They're a great way to try out different patterns and I can work on them going to and from work on the bus. I've finished one pair for my sister and am trying to decide on the colors for an Argyle pattern for my brother-in-law and nephew. If anyone knows of knitting patterns that are commuter friendly, I'd love to hear from you! Cheers.

I don't really knit for the holidays all that much. I gift knit for family and friends throughout the year. Currently I'm working on an afghan and for my husband and an afghan for my sister's wedding.

I was hoping to get a stocking done for my 2yr old daughter who doesn't have her own yet, but other than that, no holiday gift knitting this year.

I am knitting the Fur Sure Coat from the Family Circle Easy Plus Size Knits for my older daughter and A twin cardigan & shell set for my younger, this is a vintage pattern left to me by my mother.  I have finished the cardigan and almost finished the shell. I have the back finished to the Fur Sure Coat. I have designed a blanket with the Virginia Tech logo for my son-in law.Which will not be finished for Christmas so I am making a pillow from the design and he'll get the blanket for his birthday.

I also have socks on my needles which may end up as gifts. My favorite past-times are knitting and reading.  As you can tell, knitting is getting a priority right now!

I enjoy your newsletter and your blog. Thanks for your sharing your insightful tips.  Carolyn

I have 9 nieces and nephews, and I am knitting each of them a hat, scarf, and mitten set.  On previous Christmas' I have just knit them all mittens, so this is a little bit bigger endeavor this year, but I am confident that they will all be completed.

I have already given each of them a crocheted afghan for their birthdays!

I'll be making knitted "hugs" for my 3 children, my eldests BF, my middle child's GF, my God-Niece, and a "mini-hug" for my Great-GodNiece. The hugs are scarfs with hands on the ends (found as a free pattern at Knitty), and done on large needles with heavier weight yarn. As far as other projects are concerned, there is always something (or two) on the needles...right now lace shawls/scarves are my passion.

socks, socks, socks.  The grown chldren all want them in their stockings (!).  Added this year are three handmade sock monkeys for the grandchildren, two hats, two felted bags, a cashmere lace scarf, six pair of mittens, a sweater, and a camisole.  I'm about half done with the sweater, the socks are complete, the bags ready to felt, and I've cast on the scarf.  Much farther along than last year at this time!

The whole process of choosing the yarns, the colors, and the patterns makes me feel joyful and puts me in the Holiday spirit.  I plan little things with bulky yarns if possible so that I can knit them up quickly.  A bulky beanie for my brothers, some felted slippers for my sisters.  

This year I plan on making a felted purse for a dear friend using fingering yarn out of the Nordic Felted Knits book.  My sister-n-law has asked for a knitted purse that was inspired by the interweave knits lacy yoga bags pattern.  I modified it to make a medium sized purse for myself and I have gotten many compliments on it.  I have even had some ask if they could purchase one from me.  

I am not sure if I will have time for everything.  I will prioritize and if I can't get to some of them I will buy something for them.

Meanwhile I have had an excuse to buy luscious yarns and try new patterns.

I did my Christmas knitting January thru March: Mini Sweater Ornaments.

I'm working on the Maile Sweater Vest for out son, aged 11 and in love with the color red.

Sould I finish this in time, theshizknit.com posted the lovely St. James' Sweater that will hit my needles either in time for Christmas, or our daughter's birthday in late January.

Who needs stress when I've got knitting????

I always (and only) give handknit items for Christmas.  My secret is that I knit all year round, but generally start in the summer. I also only have up to 6 people to knit for.  Generally I alternate small and large gifts.  My mother and sister got sweaters last year and dad and brother got socks, this year my brother-in-law and father are both getting sweaters (both Jared Flood designs the swisher and cobblestone) and my mother and sister get socks.  Christmass knitting done early and often is a lot of fun (there was one year I finished up a scarf 3 AM Christmas morning, but that is the exception).  I've been doing it so long though that I think next year everyone is going to get a bottle of SOAK so they can take care of all my gifts properly!

Up until recently I was mostly cross-stitching; however, the knitting bug caught me when I saw Berroco's Jasper.  So, on the needles, a sweater for my DH, using Rick Mondragon's sliding loop intarsia technique "Dramatic Duo" from Knitter's Summer '01.  In the lineup, a hoodie knitted in Lamb's Pride Worsted and Noro from "Son of Stitch and B---h".

Love the newsletter and the galleries--please continue the good work!

I knit for the holidays all year long, just as I shop for holiday gifts all year long. (But I only knit for those I know want or appreciate such things.) I've already finished a tam for a neighbor, have most of two half-sized Himalayan totes done for a friend's two daughters, and have a couple misc. scarves done for last-minute gift ideas and gift exchanges. I am going to knit a Sonnet cardigan for a friend, but her birthday is in January and I will probably give it to her then as a combo Christmas/birthday gift. I'm also planning a moebius shawl for my sister and maybe one for my mother -- just as soon as I knit one for myself to wear to my sister's wedding in October!

I have already started knitting for holiday gifties...(3 kids are mine, 6 more are neices and nephews).  Majority of what they will get is a pair of hand-knit gloves   --  ages range from 10 thru 21, so styles will vary depending on who it is for (Army son will get military style gloves in Black, college neice will receive a pair with some lace-like design on it, younger kids assortment of sideways gloves and others done in sock yarn so will be washable by machine).

Also have a few other little projects for special friends that I hope to have completed in time.

AnDy in Maine

I've been after my knitting circle to come up with ideas for handmade holiday gifts.  They all claim to be beginners and incapable of making a gift 'fast'.

My answer to that was since it's a handmade gift,  it could be 2 washcloths with a bar of handmade scented soap in a dish.  

But my biggest offering was to start small by replacing one store-bought gift with a handmade one.  That'll take some of the pressure off.

I'm knitting 7 felted purses, a mohair shawl, a mohair scarf, a cashmere hat and a sweater for my husband!!

Sandi,

How refreshing to hear that someone else does not knit for the holidays - I do not knit for any holidays, including birthdays (well, maybe milestone b-days that I have tons of time to prepare for - like someone's 50th birthday ^.^).

My family and friends are very familiar with my "just because" gifting system.  Of course, 18 and under get gifts for all occasions, but those above - well, they don't.  They do, however, receive "just because" gifts from me:  perhaps their favorite cologne that I just happen to pick up, maybe a scarf and hat that I made with yarn that called their name - maybe even an afghan was handed over out-of-the-blue...

Yes, they've gotten used to it, and actually have grown to appreciate many of my *eccentricities* - I'm known for being overly generous - but on my own terms, with no time constraints or demands.

When I knit, I do it for pleasure - in pusuit of that perfect lacy tank top, or beautiful throw, or wonderfully warm shawl - things that I enjoyed *playing* with...

Even before I started knitting, I used the "just because" system for 18+.  Never liked the *hassles* that holiday gifts create (for me, anyway) - worrying if they'll like the gift, or if I gifted *fairly/evenly*, or seeing that special item that I spent hours of shopping for - only to see it being returned...

No.  Not me.  Stopped that many years ago...  Small children get gifts and money... from 11+, it's money.  After 18 (well, I usually extend it to early 20's...) -well, after that certain age, they start receiving *just because* gifts, with no rhyme or reason ^.^

Yes, I've learned to enjoy the holidays - I don't believe anyone should *expect* a gift - don't believe in that - yes, I have *entitlement* issues - I don't appreciate people with them (*entitlement issues*, that is)- I refuse to indulge those that feel *entitled* - too bad, get on with your life.

No, I'm no scrooge - up there somewhere in this long-winded writing, I did say I'm very gnerous - really overly generous  - just on *my* terms/timeline...   :)

Well, it's a big world, and we're all *entitled* - LOL - to do our own thing - for those that love knitting holiday gifts, my hat's off to you, and I hope you find time to enjoy the *holiday scent and sentiment* :)

Take care, Betty BJ

I haven't started my holiday knitting yet, but plan to knit a vest for Dad, a sweater for Mom, and either a pair of socks or a shawl for my Grandmom.  I'm going to knit my Mom a pair of socks for her birthday, which is just before Christmas, too.

I already have the yarn for the vest and the sweater and hope to start them soon.  I plan to knit them in the round to speed things up a little. Good luck everyone, with your holiday gifts!

I don't knit specifically for the holidays--who needs that kind of pressure? Knitting is spoze to be fun and a looming deadline is not my idea of a good time. My family, by and large, isn't much into the handknits anyway, and I don't knit for someone unless I'm fairly certain all that work will be used and appreciated. That said, I'm working on a sweater for my mother that will either be a birthday (it's in Dec.) or Christmas gift, but I have a high degree of certainty that it will be worn.

I'm making only 3 gifts this year...well until I tack on 10 more in November.  I'm making Funky Sock Monkeys using striped yarn and I'm giving my aunt, who knits, some handspun yarn.  I just recently learned.

gwen

I'm knitting Allen Dart gnomes and leprechauns. They knit up quickly and look better than any knitted toys I've seen. I have a list of requests from people without children at home, who view them as keepsakes rather than toys.

Li

lifesastitch.typepad.com

I'm knitting nothing for holiday gifts - I, like several others who have commented, knit year-round, and when the gift is done, it gets gifted, regardless of whether or not it is on/near/for a special day/holiday.  And the recipients have told me again and again that my unexpected gifts are the best surprises - so that's my plan.  I always have at least 3-4 projects on the needles, usually all of them are for others, but maybe I'll surprise myself someday with a project just for me!  :-)

This year, my holiday knitting is going to be minimal. I'm just at that point where I'm sick of seeing gifts I've knit in the past be given to a toddler to drag around or to the family dog to play with. So, only a few select people who have really loved knits in the past will receive knit gifts from me this year. I'm knitting for my Mom, my Sister Dawn, and my Best Friend Sarah. I've picked mitten patterns from the book 'Selbuvotter' for their holiday gifts. I'm using an assortment of Knitpicks Essential and Palette to make the mittens. The pair for my Mom is almost finished, and with 3 months left to knit the other two pairs, there should be no problem what so ever finishing the mittens in time for Christmas.

I usually end up doing themed things for everyone on my list (there are way to many people on my list anyway!) Last year it was games. This year, however, it's looking like knit goods.  I live in Maine and have family from Aroostook County, ME to Boston and everyone needs hats, mittens, slippers, and scarves.  No one will receive all of these things of course but many will receive something....better get my sticks moving!

Michelle

I'm currently working on Christmas stockings.  Though we'd decided to forego the "Santa deal" our son's excitement/realization last year pushed us over the edge.  However it will be more about the heart and traditions than material goods.  In that line I designed stockings for us and am finishing up the 3rd of 4 ("Daddy").  I love the design I made and plan to keep it for future use (my boys will have to bring home a girlfriend/fiancee eventually!).

I'm trying to knit something for almost every member of my family - so far that's 12 items - mostly things that don't require weeks of work - scarves, hats, handwarmers, slippers, totebags, maybe a pair or socks or two. A few other family members are getting collectibles that I know they'll like. Even though we draw family names and only buy for one person each, as the matriarch (!), I like to give a little something to everyone anyway, as well as my big Secret Santa present.

This year for Christmas I am finishing all of the things I meant to give people last year and did not finish!

I always knit my daughter a purse for Christmas and a scarf for her mother in law.  I better get busy! it is getting close.  I am knitting myself the Hey teach sweather from Knitting Daily.

Other than this I don't get to crazy during the holidays with knitting.  Way to stressful. : )

My parents are in their 80's so I just finished a medium blue gray lap robe for Dad.  I'm starting a rose-colored feather and fan lap robe for Mom.  Next, I'm planning to launch into a slouchy beret/scarf set for one of my best friends.  Everyone else gets something from their wish lists.

My daughter asked me to knit the Lion Brand Cable Luxe Maxi for her for h