Speed Knitting for Express Post

Christmas is coming, time is ticking too fast, and I have a thousand things to finish knitting!
But after having had my needles dormant for so long, it feels great to be back at it! So I'm not complaining, it's actually kind of exciting for me. Especially since everything coming off my needles ends up looking good and getting great reactions from my gift recipients. What has been on my needles?

A few weeks ago I was wandering around Ravelry, when I saw a project that I just had to do. It was a pair of Alice Cullen inspired fingerless mittens. OH, I wish I had that hand dyed yarn! I am a yarn addict. I've somehow managed to not have an entire basement overflowing with yarn, probably because it has too much other junk in it. My husband doesn't realize what a blessing that is. :)

My friend has been encouraging me to only purchase yarn that I am about to use. But when I see yarn, I can either picture a project that I don't end up getting to... or it's so delightful that I am determined to find a project later for it. So she has been coming with me to the yarn stores when I need to get a 'now project' supply of yarn. This has been helpful in keeping me accountable to my budget - what a true friend. I try to return the favour, but I'm not sure it helps as last time we went shopping, both of us ended up purchasing one of those eReaders. For my friend, I'm certain it was a good deal as she reads at least 2 books each week. This will very quickly pay for itself for her; for me, I think it will encourage me to read more often as this is something I've been wanting to do but haven't. These eReaders come with over 100 classic books, which I love. Especially Jane Austen. I've also been reading Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, and Tess of the D'Urbervilles.

Anyways, I've been knitting a few mini projects for this kids to get my gauge steady enough before knitting my sister's Christmas gift, as it has cables in it, and slippery silk/cotton yarn. The pattern is so lovely, I can't wait for the whole thing to be finished. If you want to check it out, and know my username on ravelry, go there to see what I'm knitting. I can't post a photo here yet, as my family sometimes reads this blog. But when she gets it in the mail, I will for sure post a photo of it.

One of the things I've been knitting to warm up to this project has been such a success with my clients, that I'm now making a pair of "Little Thumb Suckers" for each of the kids I take care of during the day. My kids are also requesting a pair, as well as one for each of their friends - in army camouflage yarn of course. They are so adorable, and great for when I am taking kids to school. The kids in the stroller don't like to wear mitts. But with these, they still have most of their hands covered and have their little fingers sticking out to play with toys. I got the pattern over on ravelry. Here is a link if you want to make your own pair. Please let me know if the link becomes broken.