There are only 5 days left to Christmas! I truly cannot believe how fast time has been going lately. I am nearly out of time to give hand-knit gifts this year, (my friends and family might be thanking their lucky stars right now) but one I am going to TRY to finish before Christmas is Girasole.

I’ve been working on this pretty steadily since Thanksgiving and I’m currently on skein 4 out of 5 so it might be do-able, but with 640 stitches per row – this isn’t a super quick knit. It’s a very enjoyable knit though, you kind of feel as though you’re making a masterpiece. Remember Katie’s gorgeous version of Girasole here and here?

I’m using Madelinetosh Vintage in the Rain Water colorway. I picked this up at Stitches East and had planned to make a post-baby sweater for myself, but got to thinking I might really love it for Girasole. If I finish on time my husband will open this on Christmas day.

Like all Brooklyn Tweed patterns, Girasole is extremely well written and easy to follow.  Did you notice that Wool People 4 was released yesterday?  It’s another collection of inspiring knits.

I think that this finished object is one of the sweetest things I’ve ever made – even if I am a little biased.

She has more shoes than diapers at this point. Neither my husband or I can resist buying them when we see them. They’re just so tiny and cute we can’t help ourselves.  This might become a real problem.

The pattern is Smocked Dress from the 60 Quick Baby Knits book I bought at Stitches East this year. I’m still a fan of this book, and highly recommend it!

I used Malabrigo Arroyo in the English Rose color. I actually bought the wrong yarn — whoops! The patterns calls for a worsted weight yarn and Arroyo is a sport weight. ‘Just a minor mix up when I was at the store and didn’t bring the pattern with me. Since I’m keeping this for my own child and not giving it as a gift, I don’t really care what size it turned out to be — I’ll just wear it on her when it fits! Raveled here.

Our thoughts, prayers and sympathy have been with the parents, teachers, children and families of the Newtown, CT community.  May God bless and be near each family and loved one.  As Christmas approaches let’s remember what is important in life, those we love and the many blessings of God.

I started this Very Pretty Lace Scarf last week from the book More Last Minute Knitted Gifts.  Knit in Malabrigo sock yarn, Marte.  I am hoping to finish by Christmas.  It is a very fast and easy pattern to memorize.  The book is also one of my favorites and would also make a great Christmas gift.

By far and without a doubt, this is my best and most favorite project yet! February cannot come soon enough. I can’t say “thank you” enough to my sister Betsy Jo (soon to be “Aunt Betsy” again) for taking these for us.

Your needles have been busy! I’m so impressed by the number of completed projects everyone was able to pull off in just 1 weeks time.  Nicely done everyone!  It’s a busy time of year so here’s a wrap up for those who didn’t have the time to join in. Visit our Ravelry forum for more details on the knitter, pattern and yarns used!

In case it wasn’t too obvious, we’re really enjoying these knit alongs! We’ll take a short break for the holidays but I think these will become part of our regularly scheduled programming here at Nice & Knit!

It’s the last day for out Winter Hat knit along!  The projects are beautiful, and many of you completed more than one hat!  Upload your final photos today and we will post them all tomorrow!

I completed Rosebud by Jared Flood this weekend, I am very happy with the result.   Lately, Ryan is growing at a very rapid rate!  I really wanted a photo before he is taller than I am.  My 10 year old is becoming a young man.  I love my boys and I am so thankful for them all.  Sometimes I need to take a step back and try to remember how great they really are, even though they are non-stop action and keep me running around like a mad-lady, I wouldn’t want it any other way!

As you’ve seen, I’ve knit a lot of hats lately, so for our knit along I wanted something that would be quick and different than the other hats I had just knit.  I picked out this free pattern called Bulky Hat.

I was able to knit it up in just a single afternoon so it’s a great last minute knitted gift!  The pattern calls for super bulky yarn. I didn’t have any on hand, but I did have a single skein of a discontinued Nashua Knits Paradise Skein that turned out to be JUST the right amount.  It’s just bulky so I went down to a size 9 and 10 needle and I cast on enough stitches for 2 more cable repeats and the size turned out just right! It’s extremely soft and cozy.

Now I have a brown hat, off-white hat and a blue hat if you’ve been keeping track. The perfect colors for just about any outfit so I think I’m done with making hats for a bit. I have a new project on the needles that I’m pretty crazy about and I can’t wait to share with you!

I apologize for the slightly blurry photos and the doorknob in the background.  I caught my very patient husband on his way out the door this morning and had him grab a few pictures.

My Stripe Study is complete.  I brought this with me on my October trip to Haiti and knit on the airplane, it kept me busy while traveling.  I modified the stripes, and just did a triangle shape.  I am very happy with the size and String Theory yarn I used.
I am currently knitting my hats for our knit along – join in the fun!

I am knitting Rosebud by Jared Flood.  Cruising right along….  I do not like the cable that is in the original hat, so I just made 2 smaller cables which is not as chunky.  I have been picking out some other patterns and I hope to finish another hat by Monday!  How are yours coming?  There is plenty of time to begin!  Send us your updates.

You can also check out some of my options for the next hat on my Ravelry favorites page.