Handmade Christmas

We didn't make that many gifts this year. November disappeared into a spiral of anxiety about my oral surgery, and then a good half of December was taken up by the pain and exhaustion that followed the surgery. It just didn't all come together, but some things were created for giving and I'll try to share them here because I love looking back and seeing what went on in Christmases past.

 

This little pincushion was one of those sudden inspirations - I knew I wanted to sew Kitten a pincushion for her work basket, but I just couldn't come up with an idea that really jumped out at me.  Then I saw a photograph of a kitten we fell in love with at the cat rescue centre on my facebook, celebrating that she had a new home, and I decided to make a pincushion that (in some small way) resembled little Daisy the Kitten.  It took a couple of hours to design and stitch up, and is stuffed with raw wool and lavender from the garden. 

 

 

This little pocket mermaid baby is also for Kitten, who is currently very interested in mermaids (how well I remember that stage in my own life - anyone else remember those bath cubes with mermaids on the paper label?) and is "ravelried" here with details of the pattern she is loosely made from and the yarns (which are so adorably soft) that I used.  Kitten named her Belle, because she is beautiful - so I think she is loved and appreciated!

 

 These socks are for keeping my prince's feet warm and snuggly this winter.  He really really appreciates hand knitted socks, and it was a pleasure to make these for my True Love: just a very small gift but hours spent with needles and yarn in hand, thinking of him. (ravelry notes here)

 

 

More socks - for my little darling - although the simple eyelet lace is hard to see in this soft hand-dyed yarn.  (ravelried here)