Crochet, Crochet, and more Crochet

Only 41 more days til Christmas. That's still plenty of time for making some awesome gifts. I'm proud of myself, I've got 7 gifts already completed. I decided this year to stay away from long drawn out gifts, (because I get bored easily, and they take too long), and figured I'd make small things. But I didn't want to make stupid things either, I wanted them to be useful. Well I've got 8 women, that are friends and family that I like to make for. So, for all the women I made bath sets. I purchased one bath kit from http://www.elmore-pisgah.com/ (which is peaches & cream), and then purchased 7 other sets of colors to make for everyone. Then I thought I'd add bath and beauty products, put them all in a basket and voila, Christmas gifts. I really have to say, they came out awesome.

There are 9 children to make something for, 5 girls and 4 boys. Now the ages range from 8 yrs - 2 mos. So, I figured I would make the 2 older girls who are 8 & 7, bath sets similar to their moms. The 2 girls that are 5, and the 4 boys, 4, 2 yr old twins, and 20 mo. old, will all get a set of bath buddies. These are all puppet wash mitts from the book; Annie's Attic Fun Time Bath Mitts. And of course the 2 month old, a girl, is getting a sweater, (almost done, only needs putting together), a Christmas bib in thread, and booties in thread.

Now that leaves 6 men to crochet for, and they were the hardest to figure out. I mean really, there aren't many choices of things to make for men. So after considerable thought, and being that we all joke around, tease, and have fun together, I decided each man, (DH included) will all get a Willie Warmer. LOL. I've made one of these before and they crochet up pretty quickly. And I know that being the smart asses they are, I will be hearing things like; "this won't fit, I'm bigger than this" and so forth. MEN!!! If I have the time, I'll make hats for all. I love making gifts for others, and having them proudly use them. I think that's why I went with more practical gifts this year.

I've already started making my list of what Ill be making when the holidays are over and it's cold outside. :) Most of what I'll be making will be things for myself. There are a few tops, a shrug/shawl, maybe an afghan. I do know that I have 2 patterns running around in my head that need to be made, as well as written up. I can actually close my eyes and see the finished items. One is going to be somewhat of a freeform item, but not to weird looking. Anyway, once I make them, and write them up, I will definitely be putting the patterns up here. This way if anyone likes them and wants to try them, they can.

Well, gotta run, hopefully I can come back and write more about what's going on, and maybe add some more pics of things done. Grandkidz are here and starting to drive me bonkers.