Do Not Climb

Well, now is about the time of year when I realize that I do not actually have the time to knit Christmas gifts for my entire family. Naturally, I only have one person's finished (or...started at all). Oh well. Luckily, they are my family, and will love me even if I give them their gifts late and spend most of winter break knitting their gifts in front of them. So much for surprises, lol. Anyways, I've decided that this is the year of crocheted holiday gifts. Let's face it, even if knitting is way cooler, crocheting just doesn't take as long.

My first gift of the season is for my Aunt Kay, who is completely amazing. She gave me a whole box of crappy acrylic yarn with which to knit, and college students never turn away free stuff. Of course, I tried to only take the colors I thought I would actually use, but she snuck in a half dozen skeins of ugly ass orange yarn that she bought at Pamida, most likely before I was born. (The Pamida in question went out of business at least a decade ago.) When selecting yarn for Kay's present, I naturally chose the dreaded orange yarn that I had hid away in the deepest corner of my dresser, hoping never to see it again. It actually turned out quite nice! I only used up a skein and half of the stuff, so she'll probably be getting orange presents for a few years. The pattern I used is called The Professional, titled after the movie of the same name, and a matching scarf, Shelley. I loved the hat so much that I made myself one, in a nice off-white. (It's really no surprise that I haven't finished more gifts.)

One of the other things I have finished lately is a new iPod cozy. It is purple, of course. I was tired of having to take my iPod out of the previous case every time I wanted to change the volume (which is frequently, especially when I listen to anything classical), so I devised myself a new one. It's a bit lopsided, honestly, but it works. On a frustrating note, one of my headphones is no longer working--not only do I need to find a new pair, I'll need to knit a new hunk of i-cord to keep them untangled.

I also just finished a baby blanket using this pattern, and went to the baby shower today. More on that when I get the pics uploaded.

Current WIPs: Athenian scarf (more crochet!), Brea bag (this one's been in my Ravelry queue forever), and Thermal...still. That sweater will be the death of me. I love it, but damn it is taking me forever. I have all of the body done, and most of one sleeve, but I keep getting distracted by new patterns. And, without further adieu, I present many pictures for you to feast your eyes upon.