And so begins the parade of gifts

I’m trying once again to embrace the handmade Christmas idea.  I won’t go entirely handmade, but I want there to be an element of it in everyone’s gift.  I’ve always felt this way, but it’s been easier recently since I’ve expanded my crafty skills somewhat.  There are only so many clay baubles one can give one’s relatives before it becomes predictable, you know?

So I finished the first of what I hope to be many gifts this weekend: a hat for my brother.  When trying to prove to my mother a few weeks ago, that fingerless mitts were not hopelessly out of style, we asked my hip 24-year-old brother whether he’d wear them.  His answer? “Sure, if they had finger holes.”  Well, I’m not up for finger holes at the moment, and I said as much.  “You can make me a hat, then,” was his response.

I’m a little surprised by that – I didn’t really think he’d want me to make him anything.  So I jumped at the hat idea, and here it is.  It’s not perfect – I think the brim is a little odd – but I hope he’ll like it.

Some details for the curious

Pattern: Modified version of “Winter Hat” from Isela Phelps’ Loom Knitting Primer.  I replaced the patterned rows with a solid stripe.

Loom: Yellow Knifty Knitter (large gauge, 41 pegs)

Yarn: Paton’s Classic Wool in Dark Gray Mix and Jade Heather

I was able to share images of this here because my brother is probably more likely to eat broken glass than he is to read a blog where the words “knitting,” “sewing,” and “baking” are mentioned as much as they are here.  Other gifts I make, I’ll have to be more careful about, and probably will have to share them the week after Christmas.

So, what kinds of things are you making this year for your holidays?

P.S.  I don’t recommend wearing hats on one’s feet.  It makes walking somewhat troublesome.