I know my list is what saves my sanity every time.

That and having a wife who can pitch in when things get hairy.

That tam is da bomb.

GO Stephanie, GO! You can do it!!! We're the cheering squad!

Good progress. You're going to prove us skeptics wrong!

Go! go! go!!!!!

thank you, Lene. I'm happier when Ms. Harlot is happier.

ari

I really believe you're going to do it this year. I really do!

I really love those sailor's rib socks and I'm totally going to copy you on those. Socks are grand...contented sigh...

You are my knitting goddess. Go Stephanie go!!!

Happy Knitting and Happy Holidays! Looks like you are on a roll!

Your current list of finished Christmas knitting makes me wonder how much more you are planning on doing?

Love the Star Tam, and I have just the yarn for it, I am going to start one for myself because (are you ready?) my Christmas knitting is ALL DONE!

*insert evil laugh here*

This year I'm testing the waters. I'm not knitting any Christmas gifts. I have several very good reasons for doing this. One of the reasons is to see if anyone notices and/or cares.

My plan is to start making next year's Christmas gifts in January. I always intend to do this, but am usually so darned sick of making things for others that I want to throw the yarn and needles in the bin and spend January in bed with a book and a disconcertingly large tumbler of Bailey's.

So far, so good right? I agree about the list, they're lifesavers. Good luck! And I love the tam.

You give me hope! First time doing any serious knitting of Christmas gifts. Started in October. Started to panic at Thanksgiving. Have re-visited the list and cut back to fingerless gloves, hats and a few scarves of bulky yarn on very large needles. Have my eye on gift cards if I run behind. Trusting you'll have better luck with your list!

Way to go. Keep up with the schedule. I know you can do just until you fall of the schedule. Then the alcohol helps you feel better for falling of the schedule.

I've got the Christmas spirit too...

I draw the line at comparing knitting to brussles sprouts. Knitting is 70% dark chocolate. Some people don't like it. Some people don't like handknits. Both are incomprehensible, while deserving basic respect.

(But if a recipient cut off the fringe of the linen-stitch tuxedo scarf so they look like the bangs of a do-it-yerself four year old, that doesn't mean I shouldn't be knitting him the utterly fringeless, amazingly tedious Henry scarf in a silk/wool blend. Does it? Wobble. Wobble.)

Ooh, pretty pretty knits. (Does Lene's schedule include reading all these comments?)

I too knit many gifts for Christmas. If I did not give knitted gifts I would have to give up knitting. I already have lots of sweaters, shawls, hats etc. Giving knitted gifts allows me to knit things that I would never in a million years knit for me but my 15 year old niece just loves. I start early (like January). I also like to knit for our local agricultural fair and most of my entries end up being Christmas gifts. Since most of my gifts need to be shipped, I also have to be done by mid December. Years ago I gave up Christmas baking and decorating. I would much rather knit.

I know you can do it, too, I am counting on you to do, because one of us has to. (It won't be me, I assure you. I don't even have the discipline to update my blog, much less finish one more gift - and I actually finished 2 this year.)

Resisting the temptation to show a certain in-law your #2 and 3 as an explanation for why they are yet again getting store bought; but the subject is best let go between us. Thank you so much for writing it out, it feels very cathartic to read that.

Meantime, wow, you're really cooking!

This year I might actually believe you. Thousands wouldn't, given your track record but I think you can actually pull it off.

The star tam is stellar.

I am a child's hat-and-mittens set and five fingers of a glove away from being done with the Christmas knitting. I think even a super-slow knitter like me can handle this...right?

That tam is wonderful!
This year I am knitting one thing only for Xmas, and I'm... getting there!

OK, Dorothy. . .

I am struck by the fact that you don't start your holiday knitting until mid-Nov. I am also struck by the sheer volume of STUFF that you produce throughout the year. Here's a suggestion - why not put some of the stuff knit throughout the year in a box marked "Christmas Gifts" and keep track of what's in there. Come November, you will be way ahead of the game.

Somehow, I'm thinking that you really enjoy the mad rush at the end. C'mon, Steph, admit it.

I am impressed. This is the first year in many that I'm not knitting any gifts at all. None. I usually do at least a knitted toy for a local Giving Tree, but no. I figured that expecting a baby 3 weeks after Christmas gave me a pass this year.

I expected to feel liberated, but instead I feel...odd...without the mad rush of Christmas knitting. So I'll just live vicariously through yours :)

I would add one item to the instructions: when you have done all that, mark at least two people as "optional knits" - for the inevitable WTF incident that destroys the schedule. Do theirs last.
Knit on!

Does Lene rent herself out for scheduling? I think some of us could use the blow by blow schedule too, although I have to admit that no one on my list is getting handknit this year. I did just give my son a pair of Earl Greys in his choice of colors and finished my husband's annual pair of slippers and I have slippers in progress for one of my granddaughters. Hmmm, maybe I should have saved all this stuff for Christmas.

As a compulsive Christmas knitter myself, I couldn't stop laughing when I read the list. I especially love #2. Anyone who's ever said, "You did such a good job, it looks store-bought!" isn't worth the valuable knitting time, especially at crunch time in December.

You're really flying on the Christmas knitting and I'm sure you'll get it all done! I especially love the Star Tam - it seems so festive and fun for winter!

I wish you had posted this one 2 months ago! :) My Christmas knitting went from gifts for 8 people to 3. I'm still knitting the other stuff, but the recipients might get it in the spring. C'est la vie, I'm not letting it stress me out.

I love the list idea. It sounds very methodical very much like software development. Gather requirements and execute if you add requirements during execution you will not finish on time. Period. If I only could get my managers to understand that....

I'm already going insane, and I cut my list of knits to two simple cowls. I've completely lost my mojo.

Yours, however, appears to be bursting at the seams. Go, Harlot, go!

So, it being a little late and all (and me finishing up school), I'm eschewing Christmas knitting for Christmas sewing. On the grounds that it's faster, and also more likely to be appreciated by the people in question. :) (I still think I'm probably kidding myself, though... I don't have a Lene, and my sewing machine doesn't travel well.)

This year I am doing 2 scarfs for my boyfriends' sisters-in-law (barely started) and a stuffed dragon for my nephew (almost done) then if I finish those in time I will make extra presents for the nephew, because it's his first Christmas and he's super cute. This is all after I finish my finals, tomorrow night. I don't know that I will actually finish the scarfs, but I'm hopeful.

PS - you're my hero.

Ok, Steph. What ever you say. I believe you.

No, really. I'm just so impressed. I just got done with Anatomy finals, so with needles in hand, here I go. Wish me luck.

I was beginning to think that the traditional Christmas schedule and countdown post wasn't going to happen this year...now that it has come forth, I can relax for another year. Thanks, and happy knitting.

That start tam is *gorgeous*. Thus disproving any nay-sayers on teh topic of combining hand- and mill-spun.

i'm so impressed! this year, i limited my efforts to baby sweaters for my favorite pregnant friends. it was fun and pretty easy.

inspired by you, i'm going to work out an aggressive sock knitting schedule for next year, and, i'm going to start in january!

good luck!

I knit a lace shawl for my siter for her wedding. 2 to 3 hours of nightly very stressful knitting for about 2 months. Had she not loved it, that shawl would be in my greedy (and very tired) little hands.

Now I KNOW you are the smartest woman in the world. I know because I had exactly the same thoughts this year. I put them into action by eliminating 2 knitting projects, and *voila!* I'm done! I'm not sure it will be Christmas without me in the back room at 2:30 in the morning, knitting like I have sense, chanting "I WILL finish by Christmas! I WILL finish by Christmas! I WILL. . . ."
But I might actually get to enjoy the day!

Yeah, well, the real gift is the one you give yourself--the satisfaction of holding the completed object in your hands after having first visualized it when you looked at the yarn. Looks like you are giving yourself gifts in abundance! Thank you for gifting us blog readers with all your gift-creation adventures!

FAN-tastic! I dream of knitting as quickly as you do... I'm going to keep working on that. In the meantime I'll plod along on my own piles.

It helps to have Christmas spirit. I do. I have a full cabinet of them, and I plan to absorb a good bit of it before I'm done, too!

I knit my farther in law a set of golf club covers last year, and he never uses them, becaues, get this, he might get mud on them. I ask you, I wish I had just brought a set from the golf shop, still live and learn.

Go Harlot, go!!

Congrats on getting it done! :)

Hey, I just finished a tam too! Love all your gifts, and I'm completely amazed. Keep up the good work.

(P.S. I decided to try your "armpit knitting" method today after a test, and it really is a lot faster! I did get some "WTF are you doing?" looks and questions from my classmates, but it was well worth it!)

Well, hell. After drooling over your lovely stuff and fighting the urge to throw up my hands in despair because I'd never be able to finish even what you have shown today, let alone the scarves from hell that I'm currently trying to knit in time for the holiday, I bucked up and grabbed another big mug of coffee and am going to keep on knitting. Endurance knitting, that's it...

I agree with the whole "don't waste your yarn and time and effort on people who won't appreciate it" thing. One year I spent about two months, off and on, crocheting (this was before I knew how to knit, btw) a long, lacey crimson mohair scarf for a friend of mine. It was downright gorgeous, and I had several offers to buy the blasted thing, which I wish I'd done, because two months after I gave it to her, I visited and found it wadded up and bedraggled on her living room floor. She told me her cat fell in love with it so she gave it to the cat to play with! Words failed me. If the poor scarf had looked recoverable, I might have slipped it into my purse when she wasn't looking, but it was so chewed up and ratty, I just wrote it off, and learned a valuable lesson. A painful one, too, I must admit.

I very quickly, very-very quickly, learned not to knit for those who don't appreciate or don't use handknits....esp mine. Yep,learned that one fast.

Keep on truckin' in a knitterly fashion. You go girl!

Can I send Lene my list in January? Maybe she can organize me and I'll be on task by next Christmas?!?!?

Congrats Ms Harlot...you do us all knitters proud!

I have only managed to finish up 2 hats so far, so unfair! I have 3 plain pairs of socks, 2 more hats, that hooded scarf from IK, A headband/fingerless mitt set, a lace scarf, and MAYBE a shawl but prolly not, to go. I would have been fine if I 1)didn't need to wait until my paycheck on the 15th to buy more yarn and 2)I sat down and knitted presents instead of churning out stuff for me. You know though, you forgot something! If you have knitters as friends, you can get them a "knitterly" gift simply by buying them yarn/books/mags/tools. Easy way to reduce the christmas knitting. The other thing I'm doing is going through my knitting friends queue and faves on ravelry and putting together "kits" for them. For instance, my one friend REALLY loves this sweater so I'm buying the yarn/good needles/pattern and such she put in her queue and giving that to her for christmas. No knitting, just shopping, but still "knitterly!". I got this idea when I read something you wrote in one of your books about giving a knitter a store bought sweater is skipping right over her favorite part. I liked that idea, it made a lot of sense. I think the kits i'm putting together will be a real hit! =^)PLus I can put in stuff most kits don't have like needles and stitch markers and buttons and stuff.... Happy knitting! =^)

I know you can do it!
Because I finished all of my Christmas knitting last week! Granted, I started in September and had half as much knitting to do as you did, but regardless...it's such a sense of accomplishment!

Miss Janey is not a knitter and so was unaware of this fabulous blog until this morning when she blogged about her own Kinnear encounter. Miss J's a kinnearer, too.

You are a much braver woman than I!

The only thing my mom and sister seem to like is dishtowls from my loom so when I get around to it I will weave some more, but until then, I buy them stuff.

I read this great article in the latest Craft Magazine about not knitting for people unworthy of one's knit projects. I didn't bother to look at the author because I was so enthralled at reading something about knitting on of my favorite craft mags. At the end of the article I look at the author's name and it was the Yarn Harlot blog goddess herself! I couldn't stop smiling and laughing for not reading the Author's name before I started reading the article!

Thank you for all you've done for our community and have a great holiday!

from,
another knitter who will be knitting late into the night on Christmas eve.

Oh wait... Christmas is coming? It's close? I should have been panicking in November? Uhm... erm... excuse me... just a minute... for just a squoodge while I go knit a multi-cabled opera cape in sock yarn... y eah... no problem... gotta go....

(AUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!))))))

Lovely...just lovely. I adore the star tam. And those brown socks still look like chocolate to me.

Last year, I figured out why (in part) I overschedule for the holidays- if it's on a deadline, I can justify neglecting other responsibilities to knit instead of stopping knitting to get stuff done. My subconscious appears to be very sneaky. But that gave me some insight into how not to wind up at the mall Christmas eve trying to convince myself that sure, if I stayed up late, I could knit half a sweater.

I am pretty pleased with holiday knitting this year- I'm casting off the last pair of socks, and am one pair of fingerless mitts away from complete. Of course, I did start in *March*. Fortuately my family are all handcrafters of one sort or another, and are generally appreciative and enthusistic recipients of handknits.

Now, if I could just break my sister of waiting until early December to express a passionate desire for say, fingerless mitts, for Christmas- I'd be all set!

And am I the only one who read Rebecca's comment, "very methodical very much like software development" and burst out laughing? (I'm more used to hearing complaints about *lack* of method in software development!)

I am totally inspired. For a few days I have been questioning my sanity, what with the idea of knitting my rather large family Christmas gifts. I got a lucky, er not so lucky break when my long time boyfriend broke up with me a few weeks ago... so aside from suffering from a broken heart, I now have to knit exponentially less gifts (he is from a rather large family 8 siblings!). I also have more free time now, to concentrate on the knitting that remains. Godspeed to you and all of us trying to make this all happen.

I have a confession to make... I didn't have a list and it got to be mid November and I hadn't started any christmas knitting, so this year NO ONE is getting anything knitted from me. I feel guilty as hell, but I did find that it frees up some extra time for cookie baking. Does that count????

Good rules! I'm not up for the Christmas knitting--wrong temperament, would just end up resentful or whining (or both)--but I salute those who are.

Lovely projects, too. The Madeleinetosh Hand Dyed Sock in Glacier is to die for--what a gorgeous sock you made out of it!

So we can send Lene in to sort out the twits in Parliament? Please?

So three and a half things on the list done?

Piece of cake.

I live by myself, and after the second year the dust bunnies don't get any worse. I don't have to feed and clothe a family.

You? (I'm rooting for you any way.)

We are only rolling on the floor laughing because we know you need a few who think you won't get done to push your competitive edge.
I'm doing okay and am sticking to my schedule but I'm starting to feel the crunch. I think a few days of movie marathons (with no other household chores) and a few late nights are in order to actually get done.
Oh well, it's festive. :)

I only had 6 knitted items on my list (2 sets of socks, so actually 8) and I am done! I didn't even count the dozen (yes 12) knitted, beaded Christmas ornaments I made. These are for the neices & nephews & gift exchange in my knitting group. They were really fun and took about 1 or 2 hours to make up. I DID NOT knit anything for my DH who wears the big aran sweater with all the cables & bobbles only once or twice a year - he'll get some new knit stuff when he wears his old knit stuff!
My 2 kids, 9 & 11, made all their gifts too! What can kids make that are useful? My 9 year old daughter made darling origami earrings and my 11 year old son made trivets out of wine corks. Both really nifty, usable things - kind of my goal for this holiday - no more do-dads and knick-knacks.

...and this is why you are my idol!

I think that I may have actually said, "Well, I'm certainly less competitive than you" to howls of laughter at the yarn shop this past weekend...

Good luck, and good job keeping up so far!

You can do it,
Yes you can,
If you can't do it
NO ONE CAN!!
GO-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O STEPH!!!!!!!!

Wish me luck. I decided in September to knit my husband a blanket for Christmas. Surprisingly, I think I can see the light at the end of the blanket but it hasn't been easy. I may never knit seed stitch again.

Fifteen things in approximately 45 days? I am impressed by both your ability and optimism. I assume that the finished list has more on it than what you just showed us - like all those two-row scarves? I was inspired to tot up my list of Finished Objects. So far I have 4 things done, 3 more started, and 1 which is merely a vague idea.

Good Luck to Us, Every One

You can do it! I can never decide on a finite list so I started my Christmas knitting in July and I finished about 2 weeks ago (you're more than welcome to hate me for that, but I'm a college student with no children so I have a lot less to worry about than you). This worked especially well because my knitting group decided to do an ornament swap so I can devote my attention to that when I'm not working at the mall.

I'm cheating this year -- most of the folks who would get Christmas knitting I'll be seeing in February, so they'll get their presents in person then. Which frees up time to knit a couple of other small things that I might not do otherwise.

But I too will be interested to see if your current rigid adherence to Lene's schedule is still intact by Dec. 20, or whether you will once again be your normal frazzled, frantic pre-Christmas self. Since I'm much better at *starting* to follow a schedule than I am at *continuing* to follow that schedule, I can understand that you have 15 days left to go. Anything can happen in 15 days -- including the miracle of you getting everything done without going crazy!

I'm impressed with your progress! Here's a nog of congrats, but don't drink it too fast. That could impede progress almost certainly. Instead of Christmas knitting I'm sending you positive knitting mojo, hope it helps!

I was supposed to have a list? Crud.

If I include a pair of hand knit socks and Christmas candy on my list for Lene, would she make a schedule for me?

I'm all over the place and accomplishing very little. I need someone to whip me into shape.

WOW! You inspire all those who hold needles! Me? I have gone to larger needles and fatter yarn. Also cut out any unnecessary lace. Somehow all the items I want to knit require size 1 needles and lace portions. I'm happily playing with size 7 needles, heavy worsted yarn, and a slouch hat today.

Ohhhh, this is gonna be good...

Boy, you aren't kidding about that list! I make one that is ongoing, organic if you will, thoughout the year. Around the middle of October, whatever hasn't been done gets a good, honest look. If I can do it, it stays on the list. If I can't, it has to be downsized. Finally, one last list is made, around Thanksgiving, with another honest donwsizing. Voila! Christmas knitting is licked!

You are my Goddess.... I have been thinking if I make my list and start now I could be done by next Christmas. This Christmas is a lost cause.
I have a friend Sandy who sounds a lot like your Lena, however, I don't fear her enough to allow her to control everything, even for a month.

Well! I'm impressed. This whole list thing SOUNDS good....Thank you, by the way, I just finished hat #7 from your "an unoriginal hat" pattern to give to my knitters...so, that is 7 Christmas gifts done! I wholeheartedly agree with your list eliminations - I have given up on so many people that I don't have to knit for many. So I guess I'll go to the mall (their loss). Also - we are going to Toronto for New Years - you make it sound like such a great place, I guess we will just go have to see for ourselves! I'm looking forward to seeing more of your completed knitted projects.....

Go Stephanie! Go Lene!

I have perfected my own ruthless holiday knitting scheme. I knit ONE winter holiday gift, for a person who does not live with me. The same person.

I figure, the beloveds in my home are showered with my woolly affection year round - where as my beloved elsewhere is not.

Hubby and I are doing ours together we have knit hats for friends and dishclothes now we are knitting wine totes for family and hats for a shelter.Hugs Darcy

15! Wow, 1-5!

I'm knitting 1, count'em, 1 Dale of Norway monster that I started in October, for my beloved Dad who had always demonstrated that he loves knitted socks and hinted for a sweater this year. I must be out of my mind.

I *may* do a couple of travel mug cozies for stockings. However I have a mitered square baby blanket to finish for a little one arriving Jan 3 or thereabouts, so it's not liek there's nothing going on!

Love the list and that you have a friend that will help you get through it all. I have to be my own friend in this way. My real friends shun me(well, they really just roll their eyes and tell me to shut up) at this time of year because I had the nerve to say out loud that I finished my holiday knitting sometime in August. There was the last minute surprise announcement of a home made gift exchange which resulted in a turbo-knit scarf that looks like muppet fur. But, it is done, all done, which I am sure is going to bite me on my backside in some way. Smugness is never rewarded.

The Star Tam is beautifully awesome! Or awesomely beautiful. Or both.

Happy, healthy holidays to you and yours.

Ummm...May I point out that you have knit four itmes and need eleven more? I wish you luck, but hope someone is standing by to check your sanity periodically!!

I'm getting off the puter and knitting right now!

And next year...I'm starting my lists the day after halloween!!!

I can't drink and knit... my tea always turns cold.

Is Joe's gansey on the list? (please don't hurt me. I don't remember seeing it finished.)

Not knit Christmas presents????? Next you will be saying don't bake gingerbread boys and girls and hand paint them by the dozens of dozens. I'd post more but I have socks to kitchner.

That Star Tam is awesome! It's got me thinking whether I know anyone who would wear it, or whether I would myself! ;)

I do crazy holiday baking, so no knitted Christmas presents from me unless I start them in May (which I did for a friend of mine, but it wasn't originally meant to be a Christmas present!)

You are a good person to respect the non-knit-lovers out there.

I second the comment that suggests Lene should be running the country, or at least, giving a list of things to do to Mr. Harper!!! Yay Lene!!!!
(that is a great list Steph - I should start my Christmas knitting for 2009 now if I want to knit a PAIR of socks......)

I am now knitting my 4th pair of socks. I am astounded at how much my husband and my father love these socks. I mean LOVE as in don't take them off except to wash. You were my sole inspiration and I wanted to thank you for the sock obsession I have developed.

Can I please borrow Lena?

I considered earlier this year (let's say, October?) making lots of knitted gifts for Christmas, and well... I made one pair of socks for my boyfriend. Next Christmas, there will be a list and planning. Good advice. And that tam is beautiful! :)

The problem with the nog to take the edge off is that it's a fine line between taking the edge off, and losing control of your gauge...

The star tam is gorgeous. I knit one for my Mom many years ago. She washed it. It turned into a felted coaster. I still knit for her occasionally, but all items must be returned to me for washing.

Go, Steph, Go!

Cheers,
Michele

You forgot the part about not reading anybody else's blog so you don't HAVE to start yet another project that you hadn't counted on...well, you just couldn't help it, could you? I mean that Star Tam...got the book...there must be some appropriate yarn here somewhere...oh look right next to those mittens that need to get done for the granddaughter so I can start on the ones for the other granddaughter...good Steph...thanks...

How did you know I was laughing? You - give up all control? Yeah...only to the Power of Lene. All hail Lene --- and that gorgeous tam.

I want to knit for more people, but I just don't have the time. Of course, I am knitting for the two people who have asked me for knitted gifts (down to color in one case), but never act like they appreciate them.

It's like they feel obligated to ask their knitter-in-law to make something for them for Christmas, and it is driving me batty. Definitely some nog (heavy on the nog) to take the edge off tonight.

Wow, you're doing great!! Knocking them out one two three! And, I looked at that star tam and, oh, that was just what I was looking for! Then, of course discovered that it's from a book I have owned for years....Thanks for the reminder!!

WOW! I am so marveling your work! I am a beginner knitter. I only hope to become this quick (and make my own patterns!?) some day. I still follow things line by line at a snails pace!

Way to go! I'm sure you'll meet your goal. Absolutely beautiful gifts!

When do you start taking applications to be put on next year's schedule? Or can I go straight to Lene and bribe her to add me?

I photocopied a calendar page of December so I can tick off the days and keep track of how much time and how many projects I have left to do.So far, so good!Good luck to all knitters and crafters out there with their own Christmas crafting schedules!

I made a list too, but messed up when I added to it. The finished projects don't seem right for the some of the recipients so rearranging the list and I'm driving myself crazy trying to find new projects. Oh well, there's always next year.

I wish I knew how to do that hat. Every time I knit a hat in 2x2 rib it goes all wonky on the decreases. I lose the ribbing pattern. Yours looks very even without losing the ribbing.

Zowie! That is one beautiful tam!

Christmas knitting has always stressed me out, so this year I decided to do only two things, a pair of socks for my Dad, because he absolutely loves the other pair that I made him...he wears them when he takes his nap every day and my mother has to hide them from him in order to ever wash them. So now he will have another pair for the "laundry days". And I am making a pair of golf socks for my mother, as it is the only time that she really wears socks. They live in Florida and she wears sandals most of the time, but I thought that since she is nice enough to hand-wash and carefully dry Dad's socks, she really should have a pair of her own. Not to mention that they are very fortunate and need nothing, so this is a much better gift than any other that I could come up with.So far I am done with 3 1/2 socks, so they will hopefully be ready to be sent out early next week.

I take your advices. It happen to me too that I knited a gift to someone who never wore it. I don't see snow on your pictures. Did Toronto was safe for the last snowstorm these past days? Lucky you... I broke ice instead of knitting today.
Good luck for your Christmas knitting!

Well maybe YOU can do it. Folks like myself would rather live vicariously through your efficiency. :)
Hoppy Holidays!!
=:8

Sort of gasping over that star tam...

I think I need Lene to schedule my whole life.

Hahaha, my husband and I were JUST talking about our gift list two minute before I read this post, and he was trying to convince me that no, I cannot suddenly throw two beanies onto a list that already includes a pair of slippers and two sets of handwarmers (neither of which have been started yet) and a very, very long Harry Potter scarf I've been knitting off and on as an overdue charity auction prize. He is saner than I am.

you give non-knit-lovers WAY to much credit...if you don't GET knitting..you just don't GET anything..:))) Love the tam!!!

15 items? That's it? seems like a short list, doesn't it? (I now ivoke item number 8 above, see 'competitive'.)

List? What list? Oh wait. It's under that hat, which is under the socks, which are on top of the shawl that needs more yarn wound. Cookies to bake? House to clean? Ummmm, Lene?

P.S. I have discovered that the absolute best way to make your house look like you redecorated is to hang new curtains after 18 years. Never would have imagined it would make so much difference.

P.P.S. Stephanie, I know you're busy, but I still want to mail you that karmic balancing yarn. Need an address.

these criteria are exactly the same as need to be used when approaching university finals-time! I feel your pain, completely

I mean, the parts about time management, having a bit of nog on occasion, and keeping to a schedule..."don't knit for those who won't appreciate it" can't exactly apply to term papers, now can it?

I've got a friend just like that too!

That tam is so pretty, and I love that book. I made my very first pair of mittens and first hat with DPNs out of that book (Garter Stitch Cap and Mittens). The hat and mittens actuallly look like the picture and fit! Your socks and hat look great too. Merry Christmas!

And when is Lene going to run for public office and put her talents to the best use for all mankind? We could use a little sanity right now, so once she's done organizing christmas, can she pls run for president or prime minister or something? there is alot of sorting out that needs to be done by tea time. so the sooner she can get to it the better.

List.

I lose lists.

I used to be able to keep mental lists, but that was when I was a lot younger with more brain cells that had not been eaten by my children.

I LOVE the tam, and I HAVE that book, and I have just started spinning, and have made some rather reasonable Corriedale singles, if I may say so. Hmm. Too late to start? (Black and off-white, or red and off-white, could look very fetching.)

Maybe I should make a list? It's only the 9th....oops, 10th.

SURE YOU CAN!! I have been reading your blog for the past 3 years. Miracles can and do happen. Have a wonderful Christmas.

The socks are lovely, but oh, the tam! I love it! Here is my Christmas knitting list: one baby blanket which is half finished and has been abandoned in the spare room. I think I may frog it. It was fun but it's not fun now. And one half-finger glove. The other one is still to be made. They may go to my daughter. All the other knitted items I've made this fall--mittens and scarves--are for me, in my desperate attempt to not freeze to death on the school playground.

I have knit for 40 years (I am still under 50!) and this is the FIRST year I have knit presents for people. I have 8 on my list, and I am LOVE, LOVE, LOVING it. I love the feeling of knitting for those I love and thinking, okay Dean's done, gotta work on Katherine's, etc. I will definitely do this again!!

Dear Santa:

I want a Lene of my very own this Christmas - I think that the gift of a Lene-Doll (for she truly is a doll if she can accomplish all that the YarnHarlot says) would be ever so much nicer and more useful than one of those Harry & David Fruit-of-the-Month Club gifts....

Please Santa, please?

No, no, I can't get up off the floor. I can barely type, I'm laughing so hard.

On the other hand, HOLY HANNAH, THAT TAM IS GORGEOUS, AND I MUST KNIT IT NOW!!! Must get the book.

I wish I were on YOUR Christmas list! Maybe you could take over for Santa. I've been very good this year. . .

Kudos for the forethought leading to a trademark on the line "Things That Should Be Considered Before You Decide Knitting This Much Is Smart™"

Details of the sailor rib sock (like how you split for the top of the foot) would be appreciated when you get a chance to come up for air.

Love the Earl Grey sock. Need to figure out what the h* a twisted rib is. Sigh.

You go, Stephanie! I believe you can do it!!
The Star Tam is absolutely lovely. :)

Was blogging on the schedule?

Clearly Lene and the Knitty.com people need to talk. I was just re-visiting my (just-about-firm) list when the new patterns appeared in my in-box. Sheesh...temptation, thy name is new patterns and yarn stores.

*wild applause* Great advice and great knits.
Now go drink yourself up some nog and cast on for you! :D

You go! That is a brillaint beret (and way to use up a little handspun), among everything else. I can't wait to see the rest of the good things going to your lucky family and friends.
And you'll make it!

I think your greatest gift at Christmas is Lene. Maybe even all year round, since you won't still be knitting Christmas presents next summer like some people. Ahem.

Bonus for me? All the Christmas knitting I didn't get finished last year? It's already half to 3/4 done! Woo!

I'm going to take this list to heart. I have my own fixed list of knitted gifts!

Also, I love that you consider "cleaning" a seasonal chore!

The Star Tam is stunningly beautiful!

Hey! Do you think there is a book proposal in Lene's mad Christmas knitting scheduling skillz? "Knit Your Way To The Holidays (and not start the new year in an asylum!)" I'd buy a copy!

OK, that tam is just totally showing off.
I am green with envy-I'd love to be able to knit something that fabulous!

Last year, I bought enough sock yarn to make socks for everyone in my family. The only trouble was, I had no idea how to knit socks and ran out of time.

This year, I have even MORE sock yarn, still don't know how to make socks, and have discovered that the arthritis in my hands makes it impossible for me to knit socks anyway (can't hold DPNs or anything smaller than a US 4). So it doesn't matter that I don't know how to make socks.

My family members have told me firmly, "No more scarves!" Oh well. Their loss. I guess I won't make any of those striped Noro Silk/Wool scarves.

I'm not laughing. I'm not!!!! And I am not competitive either!!

I am impressed. That is a lot of lovely knitting. You go.

Your holiday knitting is really really purty....

I'm jealous. And now I have to go home and finish stuff because it has to go in the mail tomorrow if it will get here for Christmas. So here I go. Wish me luck.

That may be the best hat pattern I've ever seen. Bravo.

And, uh, good luck with that 'surrendering your will' thing. I'd never make it.

Though I do have to have a sweater done by Dec. 20th. I've got half a sleeve and the body to the arm pits. FUN!

its probably been posted already from someone else, but Etsy is a great place to buy hand made items for those of us who are hand-made retarded around the holidays =). i love to knit but i couldn't for the life of me do it under pressure, but buying hand made is the next best thing because you can put that in your loved ones note card, they feel special that something was hand made for them and you aren't left feeling totally like a looser because you can't possibly knit 15 items in 6 months let alone 2.

You know, the stories of your Christmas knitting and Lene's schedule have become a favorite part of my holiday season. I look forward to each blog to see how you are doing. I'm cheering you on while trying not to start too many things this late in the game. My trademark would be "Things That Should Be Considered Before You Decide Knitting and Quilting This Much Is Smart™" Sigh.

"Seal the list." That's the part that I have been missing. I keep ADDING to the list. How did I miss the part where you're supposed to seal it??
(Excellent advice.)

can I add another person to not knit for to your list?

don't knit for the person who adores handknit things but is very, itchily, rashily allergic to all animal hair if you're not willing to try knitting in cotton, silk or *gasp* acrylic.

*sigh*

1. Your tips are entirely wise and I wish I would have faced reality sooner with regard to my x-mas knitting
2. Following your tips with a bunch of pictures of how many gifts you have knit is just cruel

Is Lene for hire? My daughter who has Lene-like characteristics has given up on trying to get me organized.

It is so cool that you are on schedule.

I had to laugh when I read the comment about not knitting for anyone under the age of 16. I'd like to extend your advice to not knit for anyone under the age of 20.

My daughter's "Guy Friend," (as opposed to "boyfriend," of which she's not allowed to have) has been begging for a pair of socks; however, after he dissed the beanie I made for him (it did look a bit girlie, if I'm honest with myself), I said No Way!

I will, I've decided, knit him a new beanie after he kindly looked after the doggies last weekend, cleaning up a house full of pee in the process.

Beanie vs socks...less hurt feelings and wasted time on my part if it's not quite up to par.

Teenagers...

Sheesh!

Great list. And next year, I get the Xmas knitting started a little earlier. I learned my lesson from this year. Started way too late. Won't make it on time. IOU's are being left in cards under the tree with other gifts to make up for tardiness. Oy!

Amazing. I would like to hire Lene. Does she happen to do consulting work?

I love this post, I do, and also the knits pictured, but I have to admit I am still tripping over - in fact, positively stuck on - the phrase "Lene used to knit."

Used to? How is this possible? I mean, I could say about myself, in summer, that I knit in fall and winter but not in summer. But used to?

No offense to Lene, and I'd probably vote for her for some form of world leader, and all...

Which brings me to my question: If you are the sort of person who gets a cramp when you hear the word "mall", can you make up for it by knitting?

I started my Christmas knitting at the end of September. Yes, I'm crazy.

One more hint - embrace 12th Night. There are 12 days of Christmas ending at Epiphany or little Christmas on January 6. Use the time to your advantage. After all, that's when the magi presented their gifts so go for it.

I'm for catspaw and the 12th night! but I need it just to get my Christmas cards out. I'm one of those who need a nog or glass of wine in order to read your list, Stephanie! However, I really like the hats. I'm hoping in a few years I'll have more time and can knit gifts, but until then everyone gets homemade baked goods.

Lizbon, unfortunately Lene "used to knit" but is living with a disability that has taken away her knitting. Stephanie writes about it very movingly in "What Her Hands Won't Do" in Yarn Harlot: The Secret Life of a Knitter, her first book of essays.

And also? Lene's blog, The Seated View (http://theseatedview.blogspot.com/), has made it to the second round of the Canadian Blog Awards for Best Disability Blog. (http://cdnba.wordpress.com/vote-2008/best-disability-blog/) So you see, she's more than an organizational genius.

I'm down to 1/2 hat and a pair of socks for a child. We're not having our family Christmas until Jan. 1, so I should have plenty of time to finish. Of course, I've made no progress toward Christmas decoration at all, but I'll get there. I'm a teacher, and next week is exam week. It's hard for me to get in the Christmas spirit until the exams are graded and grades turned in. Then I can breathe and knit and perhaps finally spin until the start of the new semester in January.

Now that I can see the sailor's rib socks (my monitor at work is very very dark), I have to say that the different patterns the yarn made are wonderful!

You know, I think this all the time, but at Christmas time it seems just *that* much more evident. You have some AWESOME knitting skills. I keep telling myself that I can finish my Christmas knitting, and then I write it all down and realize that I am wrong. Although, my stepmom who was previously going to receive mittens...is now getting knitted earrings. MUCH faster, and she'll probably wear them more anyway.

Does Lene also put blogging time in the schedule, too? I've always wondered.

Love the FOs, especially the tam. Pretty!

But you aren't competitive. At all. No Ma'am.

I need a Lene. Or a wife.

The 2x2 hat instructions made me giggle.

Since I got married two months ago, I am not knitting anything up for anyone. I am curious to see if anyone notices and/or cares, because if they don't notice, everything I make is going to be for ME! :o)

Part of me hopes for the comments of no hand-made items, because then I'll know that all the hard work I've put into objects made for loved ones was worth it and appreciated. At the same time, I don't want the guilt.

So where do we sign up so Lene can organize OUR lives as well? It's (almost) the 11th of December and I am still sitting somewhere around denial. Or maybe I've taken my mother's "let's only do gifts for the kids" to heart and it really could be this easy.

Husband just got LAST YEAR'S xmas socks this week so I think I should sit out this round....

So clearly, if I ever want to achieve Christmas knitting, I need to find myself a Lene. That or drop out of college because finals week is the second week of December. X_X

where did you decrease on the 2x2 rib hat? Amazingly I am up to the decrease on a nearly identical hat and cannot make decreases that look like I was paying attention. (frogged back once, this is playing havoc with my knit 23 things in 23 days plan. I may need to cheat and weave some of them instead.

Oh, thank you. That was great. I seriously thought this would be a year of not knitting gifts. I was looking forward to that, and yet somehow, now, I'm madly knitting away. I'm enjoying it for the most part, but today? Not so much. But now there's laughter. Maybe I really need a schedule.

I have had no list because I wasn't going to knit Christmas gifts. But now I'm waiting for some yarn to come in, and I have the time. So I knit some dishtowels and washcloths for a set. Then I knit a Monteagle Bag (crazy stitches, but fast!). I just finished a Slouch Copy Cat Hat.

Now I'm down to needing one more knitted gift for sure (since said giftee is sister and daughter to two of the other gifts), and hopefully one more Monteagle bag.

It's been great, because I told no one to expect anything knitted. No pressure at all!

Hmmm... If someone falls soundly into category no. 3, but complains regularly of having cold hands, is it right to knit him mitts? He (my beloved husband) is not actually against knitting, he just doesn't understand the concept of having more than one hat. And he doesn't like handknit socks. It makes it very hard to shower him with love. Glum.

Ah, the list. Wish I'd known about that earlier. Fortunately for me, I'm only gifting 1) king size blanket, 1 (or 2) pairs of socks and a few dozen miniature sock ornaments (which take less than 45 minutes to knit). You are such an inspiration! Best of luck with your knitting goals.

Just when I thought five hours of knitting in a day was excessive, I realized I'm in good company. One sweater done and the sleeves of the second need only four more inches to the underarm. The body ribbing is almost done on the second sweater. I'm really working at staying on task!

Hilarious. But that's just exactly why I start holiday knitting in September already. To me it's important that I can flip in some ego-knitting from time to time and switch projects as soon as a color bores me stiff (like the grey scarf that needs 6 balls of yarn instead of the estimated 3 - ugh) . :-)))

Brilliant!!

I make lists. It is what I do. I make lists for work and shopping and chores but never thought about making a list with a schedule of what it was that I needed to get knit and the schedule to get it done.

Brilliant!

Stephanie, you are my Christmas knitting hero....and also the reason why I decided I was only knitting ONE gift this year. One pair of socks. I can't thank you enough for your cautionary tales!

OMG, Lene should totally be in charge of the world. Not only would everything be sorted, we'd be constantly kept in a good mood by reading fantastic reviews of TV shows we don't even watch.

Must have that tam.

A day full of beautiful FO!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the tam (I wondered what you would do with your GORGEOUS handspun from Gryphon) And those socks....Earl Grey is already on my list as soon as Mom's gift is finished and mailed....

A schedule....maybe that's what I need. But I'm not as organized as the amazing Lene. ;)

Oh how I wish I would have seen this list earlier. Especially the "don't add anything else" part, but I'm afraid the crazy train has left the station, and projects keep hopping on board. Thanks for the humor in my time of panic.-Amy

For most of the reasons you listed above (particularly the "crunch time" one) I do not do Christmas knitting. However this year I have been lured into socks for mum and a hat for Dearly beloved (that started as a jumper became socks and then became a hat. I know my limits).
But you can do it!

Thanks, the Seattle in-laws are off the knit list. After no thank you notes for two years for knitted socks, felted slippers and mittens...I can take a hint and do a Target run for them. I love knitting for the appreciative...maybe an "I Knit for Attention" bumper sticker? for moi.

Please forgive me. You know how I admire and try to emulate everything you do. I just am having a bit of trouble getting up off the floor and I've laughed until I have the hiccups and sneezes! Every year you do this and every year I laugh - and laugh - and laugh. It's not that I like to see your pain - really - it's not. It's just how vividly you describe your pain around December 20th. It's how you enlist everyone in the neighborhood to knit your scarves on December 23rd. It's just, well, Stephanie, it's just YOU.

Love ya, girl. You make me feel more human.

Great tips! Call me weird, but I've been working on Christmas presents for a while this year, of course, fitting in projects after working a 7.5 hour legal secretarial job. The schedule is SOOOOO important. Love your projects and your advice! One of the hardest things for me, being surrounded by non-knitters is to not have expectations of enthusiasm that I have for knitting and the projects I make. I'm working on it though!

Thanks for your expertise and your joy of knitting!

I really needed the reminder that there are some people who cannot be converted by knits. Sigh. Every year my sister pleads with me to NOT knit anything for her--ever again (and I make beautiful things, if I do say so myself). And some years, I just can't resist. Obviously on some level I think that the "right" knit will make her fall to her knees and declare that she has been very, very mistaken all these years, and that a handknit (fill in the blank) has finally made her see that there is no greater joy, no greater expression of sisterly affection. Thanks for the therapy!!

I've got to add my voice here. Please tell how you did the decreases on the hat. I've never been able to get that and have the ribbing still look right.

Please!

I know, but you are going to have to tell me more than once. It seems I am a little slow. Ok, a lot slow.

but next year....

I will be cheering you on while I work on my own knit list! (which is way to long by the way) I think I am going to print out this posting as a reminder how to be smart at creating a knit list... oh and find someone to make me a schedule!

Good luck!

But you do knit like a finely-tuned machine, don't forget that. Some of us knit like machines, too, but more like the rusty kind from the 19th century.

LENE! LENE!! LENE!!!
I need an organizational Goddess......
pulleeeeze!
I beg of you....I'll be your buddy for LIFE...
pulleeeeeeeeeeze pullleeeeeeeeeeze????
(whine, sniffle, grovel...pleading!!!)
XOX's

Ooo, I love the tam!

Holy cow.

I'm going back to bed.

Yes, I know it's lunchtime, but I'm under the weather.

You know, some year I'd like to see Lene's schedule for you. Even one day would be fun to see. (I like to tell people what to do too, even when they don't ask for my help. Is that wrong???)

wow! you are a dynamo (and lucky to have such a good scheduler at your disposal).

I had great plans for last minute Christmas Knitting, but "blew" my arm (not many can say they have a bum arm from knitting too much, eh?) I'm on a month's break from knitting - ticked about it - and when i resume will likely be learning a new knitting style, so I don't have a recurrance. I'm not totally bummed about not knitting for family this year - the only only one who I am disappointed that I won't have a FO for is my DH, who loves handknit socks (I am 1/2 way through a pair for him - to the heel flap on each one, and can't bring myself to give him the socks in progress with a note - did that for our anniversary in Sept., and felt terrible, but finished them before Halloween)

I am enjoying seeing the FOs fly off your needles ... that tam is smashing! And the socks too - you knit socks faster than anyone I know!

I need a Lene in my life.

For my husband's birthday in October I gave him his first pair of hand-knit socks. He wore them for the first time last weekend. He told me last night, (and I quote) "more more!! I love these socks!" I couldn't be happier, however, since it takes me 10 days to make one sock, (and that is fast for me) I don't think he will be getting any more any time soon. My point being, is that he is someone who really appreciated my knitting, and I will start very early next year so I can stuff his stocking with more! (He said he doesn't even care what color they are, even if they are girly. He's getting the Holidazed socks as soon as I make the time!)

Let's all watch the number of Star Tam projects on Ravelry grow! it's at 5 now... stunning job on that one!

I had to wipe the drool from the corner of my mouth after looking at the Corriedale hat. My, that is delicious looking. Tell me it feels just as lovely. Tell me!!!

Yea you! These posts have given me inspiration and competition. I too love to knit for my family and certain things are expected. Every time my list looks daunting I reread your posts, pour a glass of wine and get back to it.

Good luck to you!

Good luck :-)

Ooooooo look at you go! And that Star Tam is so pretty.... hmmm.... is it too late to request a Simon Tam for Christmas???

I'm sorry... I couldn't help myself!

Still, I wish I could turn the socks out like you do, I'm so slow!

Not laughing at you.....following right behind also believing I can do it instead. Though, I must say, there have been a FEW days where I just moved over and watched you knit for a while. I now want that tam so badly that I can't resist. You are a dangerous woman....

Now, if I were related to you--and thought that some sort of knitted wonderment were headed my way--I'd be on the blog every day trying to ascertain which gift was mine.

Or--is that part of your fiendish plot? Keep em guessing?

You've got this one in the bag. Cheers.

Gorgeous stuff as usual. Yummy, yummy yarn. Where can I find your plain vanilla sock pattern?
Merry Christmas. Claudia

What can Lene do for me??

Actually I am in pretty good shape--2 Foliage hats(1 chunky, 1 worsted), 1 Thorpe (started), 1/2 a sock. I have an 1800 mi car ride to finish the worsted foliage alond, I think I will manage.

Oh, *please*...does Lene rent out her organizational skills? Would she travel to Pennsylvania for a training session? (We've got good, microbrewed local beer - you can come, too, Harlot)

ok, knitty just posted today and blew my locked list out of the water... must. have. knitted. earrings!

Surrender... hmmmm I seem to have figured out about a year ago that if I just surrender to the hard earned knowledge and wisdom that others have fought for and won, that a great deal of my personal faults and problems of all kinds that I cause for myself would disappear. Sigh. Too bad I'm not so good at the surrender part... but I'm working on it!

So, can we see, say, a weeks worth of this magic schedule? What I want to know is if there are things like laundry (needs to be done), grocery shopping (just did it),cleaning (still more to be done) and finally, knitting. Oh, and baking 3 double batches of cookies and dip the chocolates. Or is it more like Monday morning, knit on the tam, Monday afternoon socks, Monday night knit on the scarf?
just curious.

I think we all need a Lene in our lives

Pay them no mind, Steph--you can do it! I, too, usually end up knitting like crazy right up til Xmas morning, in spite of starting in the summer, and occasionally have been known to give the not-quite-finished project in a bag, to be opened and taken right back to finish post-holiday. I usally make a whole bunch of generic things during the summer, and then have the fun of deciding who gets what--hats, scarves, felted things, socks, face cloths--since I like to give small remembrances to co-workers as well as friends and family. I'm currently finishing up a 6-foot-long cable afghan (on last skein, finally!); a hooded celtic pullover (only sewing and hood left); a set of placemats and coasters; and a felted striped snake. Once grades are turned in next Monday, I can really focus--and it's supposed to snow this weekend, so that makes it even better--a total excuse to just knit! Good luck with finishing all your projects, randmknitter

You should TOTALLY let us see this schedule. You've been plugging it for years & I think it's to make us jealous.

Since we don't have a Lene to help us with our Christmas knitting, we should see Lene's work so that we might make schedules for ourselves that let us knit 15 things in 45 days & still get our "seasonal cleaning" done.

B/c unless she's got "10:15-10:17- Warp space-time continuum to complete hat, socks, and awesome tam", I really don't see how you do it.

Stephanie... amazingly well put.

I might also add that if you are attempting new skills a time cushion should be added as well. I started holiday knitting in October (very early indeed) as I was going to create my first sweater for my mother. I calculated the yardage per day and freaked out, started knitting like a maniac. I got finished in less than a month.

I'm now done with my holiday knitting, because I planned ahead! Organization wins?!?!? I cast on something for myself last night and I did a happy dance because of it! *booty shake* Good luck! I know you can make it if you just don't check your email for the next 14 days. :-D

I laughed as I read this - I think I've made all these mistakes this year (first time I've knit for Christmas en masse) but would add number 11 - don't leave your brother's half sock at knit night...

You can do it. I've seen you knit on YouTube.

I'm following all those principles this year - I evidently learned my lesson well from previous years, Yoda. I only have two hats, two bags and a scarf to knit between now and Christmas. No bother...

(I use a spreadsheet)...

Every year I love reading your madness. You are a bit crazy, my dear, but you seem to enjoy it and that's all that matters. What you've completed thus far is beautiful. I adore the Shibui socks.

And I was seriously getting worried that we wouldn't get the christmas knitting list madness posting! I feel so much better now. I think Lene probably put "post about the list on december such and such" on the list!

I want a Lene, too!

Every year without fail, one of the (few) highlights of the holiday season for me is watching you bash the daylights out of your Christmas knitting.

Bring it on.

Stephanie, read you every day and love what you have to say. Thinking about knitting for Christmas should be discussed in JUNE!! I've given knitted gifts for the last couple of years (as long as I've been knitting), but it's been what I've been able to comfortably do. I'm a SLOOOW knitter. I kind of knit up stuff and then decide who will get it at Christmas. Maybe that is the wrong spirit, but it's the best I can do. I spent today, not knitting, but hand sewing pot holders that were featured on Craft Sanity. It's a gift you can knock out in an hour and very cute. Knitting is best, but SLOW!! Love you!@!

way da go! The sailors ribs are lush! hmmm what sticks to a sailors ribs? um, white rum, black velvet, a dozen eggs separated-whites beaten until stiff peaks form...sugar, non-pasteurized heavy cream, milk. Carefully fold, blend, sample with some grated nutmeg. Bottle in the wine bottles you saved. Never let it touch plastic. What knitting? Whose socks?

I'm not on the floor laughing, I'm on the floor bowing in hommage.
What beautiful knits (I really loved the sailors rib socks, and the ribbed hat.)
Have you ever given your recipe for plain vanilla socks?

It's okay Stephanie. Since I'm a Buddhist and we don't celebrate Christmas, you have plenty of time before you have to start knitting my present. Losar (Tibetan New Year) isn't until late in February (at least not the part where we exchange presents.) Even taking into account the 2-3 weeks post time up to Himachal Pradesh, you don't have to start anything for me until sometime in January. Isn't that nice ;-) I mean, unless you were planning some kind of complex lace or a handspun, hand-dyed aran sweater (I'm about Joe's size btw) which I wouldn't mind at all... But I know how busy you are this time of year, so I thought I'd put your mind at ease so you wouldn't feel guilty about not having started yet, much less have a snowball's chance in hell of finishing by THE day! Just ya know, trying to be supportive.

I do have a nice pair of handknit traditional Himalayan socks for you next time I stalk er... see you in the west.

It's okay Stephanie. Since I'm a Buddhist and we don't celebrate Christmas, you have plenty of time before you have to start knitting my present. Losar (Tibetan New Year) isn't until late in February (at least not the part where we exchange presents.) Even taking into account the 2-3 weeks post time up to Himachal Pradesh, you don't have to start anything for me until sometime in January. Isn't that nice ;-) I mean, unless you were planning some kind of complex lace or a handspun, hand-dyed aran sweater (I'm about Joe's size btw) which I wouldn't mind at all... But I know how busy you are this time of year, so I thought I'd put your mind at ease so you wouldn't feel guilty about not having started yet, much less have a snowball's chance in hell of finishing by THE day! Just ya know, trying to be supportive. Hopefully, by this point, you're rolling on the floor, pointing your finger at the screen and laughing at me.

BTW, I do have a nice pair of handknit traditional Himalayan socks for you next time I stalk er... see you in the west.

My best Christmas knitting record was 12 pairs of (adult) socks and 3 hats and I didn't even have a schedule, though I do remember grafting toes in a corner as people were opening presents!

You're doing great!

If you have recently taken up knitting as a hobby or are considering doing so, there are many things to keep in mind.

Rose.

I needed this list in November!! :)

P.S. The tam is great...
P.S.S. I'm ripping the hat out that I'm working on when I get home. I should have cast on 100, but only cast on 90. I kept telling myself it was too small. Yours is 100. Everyone else's is 100. Yep - totally ripping.

Do your hands, arms or elbows ever get sore when you knit alot? I seem to be developing sore elbows when I knit for hours. Hope this is not happening to you.

A pair of socks for my eldest son; hats, fingerless mittens and scarves for everyone else. I have 1 1/2 sock left to do for my Christmas knitting. The rest is done. I'm *hoping* to get the socks done by Christmas because socks take me forever to knit.

DS3 wants an aran sweater in brick red, but I told him I won't be starting that until after the New Year.

I'm so glad people appreciate my knitting!

Can Lene make a list for me, next year would be great! I am a woodturner and am apt to bury myself during the holidays. This year, I cannot enjoy Christmas due to long hopeless hours. Share Lene! Thank you!

One year, my mom got the flu and suddenly, my Christmas schedule was switched. I was going to be exchanging with the in-laws first (2 days after finding this out) and not with my own folks until New Year's. Ack! I had to drop all my projects and switch over to the in-law projects (which I'd been planning to finish during Christmas weekend). Can you imagine my panic?

Stephanie! I have your royal blue umbrella (You know we don't use them in Seattle!) and another thing to send to you. You may recall the lyric from the musical Hair..."I lost your address....." What's a bookseller to do???? Warmly, Cheryl

Wow, Cat. Such determination. When my Mother-in-Law announced two weeks ago that what she "really wanted for Christmas" was a new felted boiler hat, I had a moment of panic. Then I decided to just find her some nice wool, wrap it up, and tell her she'll get the hat for Mother's Day. Good things (like felted wool) come to those who wait.

I love that tam.

You have the makings of a project manager.

Really.

Good old Homespun Handknit. I once joined a craft book club just to get three copies of that book. It's a real winner, and the star tam is just one of the good things about it.