Christmas knitted projects

Well, I didn't reach my goal in knitting something for EVERYONE on my Christmas list (turns out knitting can take a long time), but I did get a few done. With everything I make I'm learning new techniques and getting more uniform. I thought I'd share the things I made for my sisters.

This is Amy, modeling the hat I made for her. This one was tricky, because its knitted from the top down, starting with just four stitches. I used 100% cotton yarn because Amy has sensitive skin, and most wool yarns itch too much. I'm thinking of making one for myself, I really liked how this one turned out.

This is Rachel modeling the fingerless mitts I made for her. These were my favorite project this Christmas, mostly because, honestly, I was pretty impressed with myself. They were the first thing I'd ever tried like this. This kind of color knitting is called "intarsia," and I can't wait to try more.

Its hard to see the pattern in Julie's hat, but its a fun mock-cable kind of look. And I love the variegated yarn, in perfect Julie colors.

This is the back. You can see the pattern a little better here ....

I also made hats for Caleb's sister-in-law Christie and for my cousin Jessie. I forgot to get pictures of those, but they turned out pretty cute too. Jessie's was the first I made of my own design, without a pattern. I also knitted my grandmother a scarf from a really soft bamboo yarn. That was also my own design, and I liked how it turned out. Again, need to get a picture of that too ...

I had intended on making hats for a bunch of the men in my family, but haven't quite perfected the "men's knits" look yet. Maybe by Christmas 2008? And I wasn't able to start anything for my mom or my mother-in-law ... they're at the top of the list now, though.

I'm currently working on two sweaters, both for myself. Before you call me selfish, I'm still working out the kinks on sweaters, and am not nearly confident enough in my knitting skills to attempt making one for someone else yet. I'll let you know how they turn out!

P.S. Don't I have the prettiest sisters??