I’m taking part in both Stitching Santa swaps again this year and thought I’d share my progress so far and perhaps provide a little inspiration for others taking part or, indeed, anyone wishing to make some handmade gifts this Christmas.
I’ve already spent my £10 budget for the yarn swap, so am now able to concentrate on making a few small items to include in my parcel. As knitting takes far longer than sewing does, I looked for some quick makes which could be whipped up in an evening.
This first one is a mini stocking and is a free pattern by Julie Williams (aka Little Cotton Rabbits) on Ravelry.
The charts are clear and easy to follow – a great introduction to stranded colourwork if you haven’t tried it before.
The finished stocking measures about five inches plus the hanging loop and took just a couple of hours all in.
Next up was a project from Wooly Woofers, a book by Debbie Bliss.
I bought it two years ago, more for the wonderful way the dog models were integrated into the brilliant illustrations – pure genius.
By the second night, and a total of about three hours knitting, the bandana was complete. Here it is after blocking.
I chose the distinctive ‘paw print’ design which was fun to watch taking shape.
Tess was a reluctant model, but I managed to get this photo of her wearing it.
There is also a ‘Scottie’ motif, if you prefer. This image is taken from the book, of a much more cooperative Yorkie. Looks like she’s being bribed with treats!
Another photo from the book showing that one size fits all dogs.
I think this one is going to be next on the list of doggy makes – perfect for Fifi.
I will share more ideas with you as I make things, so watch this space!
November 22, 2016 at 10:23 am
Such cute projects, some one is going to super excited at their gifts x
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November 22, 2016 at 1:57 pm
I hope so – whilst they’re fun to make, it’s always nice to think that it’s appreciated.
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November 22, 2016 at 11:23 am
Why was I not informed before about the existence of this book? It’s going on my Christmas list immediately.
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November 22, 2016 at 1:57 pm
It’s a lovely book, isn’t it? To be honest, I just like looking at the pictures…..
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November 22, 2016 at 1:00 pm
Cute makes! That book is too cute!!! I’m excited as I’ve literally just finished up the shopping part online yesterday. My making plan is already started as well. This is fun! I’m glad you are hosting it. 🙂
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November 22, 2016 at 1:58 pm
You’re welcome, I’m glad you’re enjoying it:)
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November 22, 2016 at 1:30 pm
These are all amazing! I love the bandana! Yikes, that reminds me that I’m behind in my stitching santa purchases. I have made many presents but haven’t started buying….Thanks for posting, it reminded me!
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November 22, 2016 at 2:00 pm
There’s plenty of time yet, so no need to panic! I haven’t thought about my sewing swap yet, only my knitting one. I find knitting related things harder to think of, so I thought I’d concentrate on that one first.
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November 22, 2016 at 3:27 pm
Aww they are all so cute. Dogs wearing bandanas and sweaters are too cute. Great job so far. 😀
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November 23, 2016 at 10:29 am
We do spoil our pets somewhat in the UK:)
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November 22, 2016 at 4:58 pm
This is almost as much fun as taking part will be! Love the knitted Santa suit – though in our part of the world the poor doggie would have heat stroke! 🙂
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November 23, 2016 at 10:28 am
You’re right, of course – following progress on all the blogs is a huge part of the enjoyment. I can’t imagine a hot Christmas or more than six hours of daylight. Would like to sample it one day though:)
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November 22, 2016 at 7:24 pm
Lovely work your secret person will delighted to receive!
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November 23, 2016 at 10:29 am
I hope so Del:)
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November 22, 2016 at 9:42 pm
Love the little doggie santa coat😃
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November 23, 2016 at 10:30 am
She is cute in it, isn’t she, necessary though it is as she gets very cold.
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November 22, 2016 at 10:39 pm
You will be making two people very happy again this year Sheila 😉 !! Great books, lovely little knits and so cute… I bet, Fifi will love her new cosy outfit too!
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November 23, 2016 at 10:31 am
I seriously doubt that I’ll have time to make that coat for either of the dogs:(
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November 23, 2016 at 10:04 pm
LOL…To any one else, who doesn’t undertake mega-oober-super-multi tasking… I would say, wait till you have a spare moment ~ though, in your case, will there ever be one?? I hope so…your dogs would look super cute in that little outfit!! 😉
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November 23, 2016 at 4:01 am
First thing that springs to mind is very grown up of me, and that is SHOW OFF, pick ya nose n blow off! Now thats out of the way I must gush at your truly legendary knitting skills. I can’t knit for toffee! Combination of inability to coordinate 2 pins, silly thumbs and famous in my own living room for my lack a patience for slow growing pieces. Yep my knitting is rather like watching paint dry.
Love the Santa outfit, my Monster Merlin would look dashing BUT he’s a tad bigger. That’s whole other story …. Promised by HH his mums a whippet, isn’t he lovely blah blah blah. Just a few weeks later became absolutely apparent Dad was a horse!
Anyway enough blathering…… FANTABULOUS work. 💗
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November 23, 2016 at 10:35 am
Ha HA! This made me laugh out loud! Yes, very childish but it brought back memories of the playground and chanting that myself. What is Merlin then? Not a 6lb Yorkie, obviously.
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January 1, 2017 at 1:55 am
Hoorah I have IT again ……Merlin is a monster 😂 On hind legs he’s taller than me at 5’6″ so I’d say he’s a tad bigger than a Yorkie 😉
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November 23, 2016 at 10:54 am
Such great progress, I love it. Wow, the doggy goodies are the cutest. I am ready to ship, as I need to send a long way. Thanks for a great partner, she is very interesting.
Happy swapping! 🙂
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November 24, 2016 at 9:40 pm
There’s going to be 2 lucky ladies out there receiving your secret santa parcel. And someone with a dog…….? All the dog owners will be getting excited, I would be if it was me! I’ve spent my £10 today, I haven’t started on my sewing yet, but I’m going to pinch one or 2 of your ideas from last year. 🙂
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November 26, 2016 at 7:10 am
Glad to help with some inspiration for your Stitching Santa – got to come up with something new, myself, which is no small challenge! Yes, mine is someone who has a dog, which whittles it down by only a half so it should still be a surprise.
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November 25, 2016 at 9:45 am
Looks like a lovely set of knitting things. 🙂
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November 27, 2016 at 9:36 pm
Lovely knitted gifts. Must get my act together, not done a thing for mine yet – eeep!
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