Christmas Success

This year's Christmas was a success. We had the full Christmas experience complete with arguments, grumpiness, and a healthy dose of being uncomfortable out in the cold for a bit. I was the only one who made gifts this year, so I pronounced it Christmas on the 24th. I couldn't wait any longer to see everyone open their gifts. (I may have made Mum open her's a few days before.) 

Mum has taken up needle felting, so I made her a "Make Your Own Scooter" kit. It is mostly wool, but I once had washed the dog and saved some of his clean fur from his hair cut. I thought it should be part of the kit in order to make it more authentic. I even drew step by step instructions.

I made my brother a brain slug. Futurama is one of the few things we have bonded over. That and Venture Bros. Our conversations often will include a reference from either show. Usually he doesn't like gifts, but he was really into this one. Or maybe that was the brain slug talking.

Hurray for Zoidberg! 

I've made things for Dad in the past, but when I saw this Star Trek robe, I knew that I would be buying this year's gift.  It was too good not to. Here is Dad doing his best Spock impression. Mum thought this impression was a little too realistic.

It's only logical

Scooter got his gift early and has decided that he isn't really into sweaters. He has managed to stretch it out and wiggle his way out of it already. Scooter got turkey later, so his Christmas went well. 

I hope everyone's holiday has gone well. Has anyone had any gift successes or disasters this year? (Does anyone else have a dog who doesn't like sweaters?)

Wooly Me

Thanks to everyone who gave me some ideas about beating the blues. I ended up spending a bunch of time with Scooter in the backyard sunshine. I also gave myself a break from designing. Instead, I started a new project.

I spent a day trying out needle felting. It took a few hours, but I made a mushroom and a seagull. It was easy and hard at the same time. It's easy to felt the wool into a shape. But I had the worst time trying not to poke red wool through the white side of the mushroom. Although the actual process is pretty relaxing.

I've also decided that I am going to knit a few things that I haven't designed. This sweater for one. I just have half of the back and two sleeves to finish. I'm a bit worried about it being too small.... but I think blocking is really going to loosen up the fiber. I also want to give socks another try. I still haven't managed to make a pair that fit. (Justin and Dad haven't minded though. They each got a pair of socks out of my poor swatching)

I also started reading Black Beauty. I haven't really read anything in such a long time, it's been nice to dive into a good story.

My parents came back from New Zealand yesterday as well. They brought all sorts of goodies. Some were from them, some were from friends in New Zealand.

My Mum told me that one of our family friends had sent something that fully represented me. He had it since 1964, but thought I ought to have it. Admittedly when she said that it was essentially me, I thought to myself, "It would have to be a picture of someone knitting for it to be 'Me'." I'm glad I only thought it, because this little wooly knitter really is me. In fact, it might be a better representation of me than a self portrait would be.