It’s the beginning of a new month so I thought it would be a good time to give a quick update of my Christmas 2009 gift progress.  As I’m going along, the list of gifts is getting shorter (that’s just wayyy too much knitting) and some items/ideas have changed.

Here we go.  This is the completed list:

• 8 women’s scarves
• 6 men’s scarves
• 3.75 wraps completed (I ran out of yarn for that last one)

On a good note, I haven’t pulled out all of my hair trying to get it all done.  Yet.  Still can’t show pictures of the items because there may be a giftee actually reading my blog.  If you’re on ravelry, stop by and check out the projects complete with pics.

I’m taking a break from knitting for now and decided to crochet the Queen from the book Get Your Crochet On! Hip Hats & Cool Caps.  I’ve wanted one since I bought the book last year, but the crocheters in my life have dropped the ball (that’s right, I said it!).  I figured it would also be a good way to pick up the hook again.  I think my brother’s gift is going to be crocheted instead of knit.  Who knows.

It’s never too early to start talking about Christmas and the gifts.  I have decided to hand make all of my gifts again this year.  Last year I started early and was on a knitting roll until I hit the wall in June.  That was when I got stuck on the Tapered Ruffle Scarf I was making for my cousin Kam-Marie.  The project ran over, there was screaming, tears were shed…long story short, I ran out of time and wasn’t able to complete my list.  That means the men didn’t get their gifts last year.

This year I have a very ambitious plan for gift giving.  I’m going to make everything using The Ultimate Sweater Machine.  I know you’re probably thinking, “she’s going to make everyone sweaters?”.  Ah, no.  Not even close.  The machine definitely takes some getting used to and operating it isn’t as easy as it may seem when you’re in the learning phase of the USM game.  But, as you get to know what works, the knitting does go faster.  Having said that, I believe I can make my deadline this year. 

My challenge for this year is knitting the following:

• 14 scarves for men
• 20 (27) scarves for women
• 6 wraps
• 1 poncho
• 2 knit hats

Every time I see the list, I get queasy.  It’s insane.  It’s nearly impossible.  It’s June!  But, fear not.  I’m well to my way to making this happen.  So far I have completed:

• 6 men’s scarves
• 2 wraps
• 5 women’s scarves

Am I panicked I won’t get it all done?  A little bit.  A little bit.  Ok, a lot.  <sigh>  What have I gotten myself into?